WINGS
Today’s Reading: Jeremiah 49
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).
The Obelisk Tomb and Bab As-Siq Triclinium are directly across from the Djinn Blocks at the entrance to the siq, the narrow easily defended rock-hewn corridor which leads into the city of Petra. The four Obelisks of the Tomb (top monument in the photo) were clearly built under an Egyptian influence. The Bab As-Siq Triclinium (bottom monument in the photo) is a chamber with three benches (Tri-clinium) and may have served as a location for sacred feasts honouring the dead. This area of modern Jordan was once the capital city of Edom, mentioned in today’s reading.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verses: Jeremiah 49:16a, 22
Your fierceness has deceived you,
The pride of your heart,
O you who dwell in the clefts of the rock,
Who hold the height of the hill!
…Behold He [The Lord] shall come up and fly like the eagle,
And spread His wings over Bozrah;
The heart of the mighty men of Edom in that day shall be
Like the heart of a woman in birth pangs.
To a young bird, a shadow cast by approaching wings can mean two completely different things. One shadow, which baby birds know well, means that their mother or father is returning to the nest with food and protection. But another shadow, which may look exactly the same to an untrained human eye, signals danger, the attack of a predator, and the chicks cower in fear.
Throughout the Bible, the image of “the wings of God” frequently appears. People welcome God as Provider and Protector or in the opposite way, as Someone who brings fear and judgment. In today’s reading, judgment is pronounced on Rabbah (present day Amman in Jordan). The people of Edom are reminded of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:24-29). Damascus, Syria, is in a time of destruction again today. Kedar (Saudi Arabia, and the other Arab states) was also devastated by the marauding armies of Egypt and Babylon. In spite of all this, chapter 49 ends with “hope,” as did chapter 48. As believers in the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, we need not fear. Yes we have reverence and awe, but never terror! Under His wings there is safety, nourishment, and all we need to grow into all that God has planned for each one of us. Amen!!! (Read Psalm 63:1-7). “In the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice.”
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord God, I take refuge 24/7 as Psalm 91:4 says, under the covering of Your “feathers,” and under Your “wings.” I pray that I will never separate myself from Your presence by allowing unconfessed sin to remain. I pray daily the sinner’s prayer, “Lord, be merciful to me, a sinner” (Luke 18:13-14). Lord Jesus, You said that the man who prayed that prayer most sincerely was justified before God. Thank You, Lord, for Your deliverance from sin, Your protection, Your provision, and for my very life! Amen!!!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
For some reason my son David Reynold typed in the word, “Djinn” in his caption to his photograph. “Djinn” are mentioned in the Koran. They are depicted as beings with godlike powers. They were said to feed on fear. I have “NO FEAR!” Why? Because of the guaranteed protection of Almighty God through His Son and my Saviour, Jesus Christ (Messiah). In contrast to this fear-producing figment of a fevered imagination, the “Djinn,” when God or one of His angels (ministering spirits to God’s children – Hebrews 1:13-14) shows up, their first words are usually, “FEAR NOT!!!” I have not made this count myself, but those who have tell me that there are 365 repetitions of “FEAR NOT” in the Bible, one for every day of the year! How’s that for producing a sense of well being in all of us who believe. Evil systems of human government feed on fear. When Karl Wojtowa, Pope John Paul II, returned home to his native Poland, ruled by atheistic communism, he said to his people, “Do not fear!” Not long after this, the totalitarian communist government fell and was replaced by a freely elected government.
Yours with total confidence in the God Who declares to us with no uncertainty whatsoever, “FEAR NOT!”
David
P.S. Today’s reading mentions those who dwell in the “clefts of the rock.” Below are more pictures of one-time dwellings in homes carved out of the rock cliffs of Petra, Jordan.
Homes carved into the solid rock are quite comfortable, warm in winter and cool in summer. Petra was considered to be an impregnable city.
interesting words! when Jesus was born the angels appeared and said “fear not ”
thinking back over the years when I used to rock my children I used to tell them hush, everything is okay, you don’t need to be afraid, everything is good and I always sang Jesus loves me and This little light of mine and then we would pray the Lord’s Prayer, I would kiss them goodnight and they were asleep before I left the room!
Do not be afraid fear Not wonderful words to comfort us
pray everyone has a great day!
Fear Not words to remember as we go into the world each and every day.
Excellent scripture readings, this morning, David! Yes, we FEAR NOT, in the face of uncertainty, suffering and hardship. God is our rock and we shall overcome because of the strength He provides for us through the gifting of His Word, and glory of His almighty presence in our lives, amen! As the Psalm of David (63) says, we seek you, God, in the morning and meditate upon you, God, at night. We are always in communication with You, Lord, and we hold our hands high in reverence. Holy is Your Name, Lord almighty! Be safe, and stay warm, saints!
“Let us sing God’s praises in anticipation of things to come.”
Charles H. Spurgeon
“Stretch out your hand.” Matthew 12:13
We Cry Holy (Lord God Almighty) by Mark Leland
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWH7pHAMjE8
Amen and Amen, blessings to all on this snowy morning outside of Toronto.
Comforting words this morning David. Think I will post this to my Facebook page. Youv’e said it all.
Thank you, David, for your faithfulness. It’s a joy to travel with you through the Bible daily and year after year. As to the exact number of “fear nots”, I got called on this by a former deacon a few months ago… actually, even with all the different variations (do not be afraid, etc.), there are only 119 occurrences. Blessings and love to you and Norma Jean. DON
YES,” FEAR NOT”
Psalm 27: 1-3 “The Lord is my light and my salvation-whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life-of whom shall I be afraid? When evil men advance against me to devour my flesh, when my enemies and my foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me , even then will I be confident.”
God is our refuge and our strength a very present help in trouble.
YOUR NAME IS AS OINTMENT POURED FORTH…JESUS, JESUS, JESUS, YOUR NAME IS AS OINTMENT POURED FORTH…YOUR NAME IS AS OINTMENT POURED FORTH.
Prov. 18:10 “The Name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.”
Psalm 23:4 Even though I walk through the valley off the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me, Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”
Thank you Pastor David for leading us in that powerful prayer….safe under the His wings 24/7!!
Thank you Rev. Reynold for those Great pictures…and the commentaries for our information…thank you!!
To be hid and live in the ROCK, safe and warm and secure.
I understand Israel is preparing an underground hospital. as a shelter in the time of need.
Psalm 27 was a Raymah (spelling?) word I received that gave me peace and comfort, when my eldest son in his teens was in a dangerous situation.
Actually, you are correct Don, there are way over 365 “fear nots” in the entire word of GOD from Genesis to Revelation, so therefore at least one FEAR NOT for every day of the year just as David said.
Blessings to all saints
Rev. Terrence FELVUS – Grassie on
Yes indeed! PRAISE THE LORD! I think it is so POWERUL that we are told “fear not” every day of the year!
God’s Will is being done on earth with or without our help! It is His Will that will be done on earth as it is in Heaven!
Lord help me to share this message with people I meet every day! Give me the words to say to the parents who bring their little babies to the pool! They are so precious! n I need YOUR WORDS LORD TO SPEAK, on my own I am not very good at witnessing! Sometimes I speak when I should keep quiet and sometimes when I keep quiet, then afterwards I wish I had said something, so, I need YOUR help Lord with the right Words at the right times!
also Lord I keep thinking about the cleaning of the church, I mentioned to Pastor I am interested in part of the work!
Lord thank you for Mo and leading of the Bible Study.
Thank you Lord for swimming, for removing smokes/alcohol 20 years ago!
Thank you Lord for being able to attend the concert last Saturday night, and bless the performance of our high school students and their acting in Mary Poppins! Bless our children Lord, keep them safe and please send the Holy Spirit to call, gather and enlighten their lives with the unconditional love of Jesus Christ, our Risen Lord and Saviour! AMEN