God bestows His blessings without discrimination. The followers of Jesus are children of God, and they should manifest the family likeness by doing good to all, even to those who deserve the opposite.
F.F. Bruce
My parents raised us, – my sister and myself, in Ukrainian home. Thus I received appropriate to cultural traditions nurture. Concerning punishments, for instance, having slaps and spanks were part of attaining wisdom, knowledge and understanding from my parents. Of course, they always preceded by many warnings and followed by reprimanding.
Another thing that was popular in my home was a practice of my parents to put us in the corner. Usually, that was because of repeated offenses. And the one should stay in the corner until he/she will ask for forgiveness and will explain the point of supplication. My sister was a tough nut 🙂
That was my parent’s approach in disciplining us as their kids, – a family matters. But if we got into troubles, my parents always stand firm to protect us against our adversaries. And even though we may be 100% guilty, they will support us completely, but surely reprimand after.
Also, another blessing about my parents that I never seen them being selfish, they always consider us first. Moreover, they are self-sacrificial type of parents. They would rather abstain from what they need/want, in order to give what we need/want.
Bible Reading
Today’s devotional reading is from the Book of Obadiah and Revelation 9. Please, read our recent devotional from the Book of Jonah:
Judgement on Edom
The major theme of the Book of Obadiah is the proclamation of coming Judgement on Edom. Edom is a nation descended from Esau, Jacob’s brother. The ultimate doom of Edom results from both her haughty pride and her “violence against thy brother Jacob” (v. 10). – The Henry Morris Study Bible (KJV).
There are 4 key themes in the Book of Obadiah, and that is how The ESV Study Bible points out some of them:
- Verses 1 through 9 warn that every proud human effort will have no chance to stand before God’s coming judgement.
- Verse 10 says that God will humiliate everyone who is in enmity against His people.
- Verse 15 clarifies that God’s revenge is severe and fair. His punishment is appropriate to the transgressions.
- Verses 16 through 21 conclude that those who adhere to God’s Word and keep His Commandments will receive deliverance, God will keep His promises and they will rule over their adversaries, and Jesus Christ will be their Lord.
Judgement on Humanity
In the Chapter 9 of the Book of Revelation, John’s vision continues. Now there are two angels, 5th and 6th, who sounded the trumpets. Each of that trumpet calls for a Woe. The woes that another angel announced in the Chapter 8 verse 13.
First Woe (Revelation 9:1-11). God’s patience is over. He released Satan (Abaddon, Apollyon – The Destroyer) from the bottomless pit. God gives him authority not to kill, but to torment those men who not sealed with the seal of God. And demons, the army of Satan, will torment them for 5 months.
Second Woe (Revelation 9:13-21). With the sound of the 6th trumpet, God released 4 angles which represent “the army of the horsemen” of 200 millions. And God empowered them to kill a third of the population. But, “the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not…” – (Revelation 9:20).
Reflection
This is the time for your journaling. Reflect on these questions. Ask the Holy Spirit to test your faith and your walk with Christ.
Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? — 2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV
- What is your cultural uniqueness regarding nurture?
- What is your experience of receiving punishments and blessings?
- Why do you think God punished Edom?
- Do you think humanity deserves God’s wrath?
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, we praise and glorify Your Holy name. You are Mighty God. Your justice is strict and fair, Your blessings have no measures.
We thank You, Lord, for the nurture and blessings You giving us daily. Thank you, God, for the joy of salvation that we have received because of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. Lord Jesus, we thank You for the blood that You shed for the remission of our sins.
We pray that the Holy Spirit will guide us and give us wisdom, and knowledge, and understanding of You will for us. Please, use us to further Your kingdom and power on earth.
In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.