Devotion
Holding His tongue
David Jacobs
As an American, it can be difficult at times to contemplate how other nations consider us. Much of the world derides the United States of America because of our foreign policy. When I have traveled or lived in other countries, I could feel the attitudes of people change towards me based on what our government was doing in other countries. I know that the heart of most Americans is good, pure, and does not want us to be involved in wars in any country. Unfortunately, our government sometimes has a different approach, and much of the world considers us in a similar way to the Chaldeans in these verses.
In the selected passage, Habbakuk speaks about the Chaldeans, a vicious and violent people that offend others, kill, deride, and believe in their own God. He wonders how God can stand beside and not look upon them with iniquity. He wonders how God can hold his tongue and not correct the behavior of these wicked people, devouring the good and letting evil reign. I understand the anger that he might feel, but I also understand the opposite side.
Americans are not totally evil! Some people may disagree, but I know that there is good in every person, country, and religion. Humans are not responsible for passing judgment and dictating how God should act.
Prayer
Be patient, faithful, and remember the gifts that God has given you, rather than thinking about the negative actions of others. Focus on the good in you, others and God. Evil begets more evil, good more good, love more love. Thanks be to God.
Night Prayer
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess.
Inspiration
We despise the thought of a pile of dirty dishes in the sink. The outside is easy to clean; it's the caked-up residue on the inside that's so difficult to remove. Jesus compares the scribes and Pharisees with dishes that have been wiped clean on the outside while dirty inside. The Pharisees took exceptional care of their outward appearance and neglected their inward spirits. We are guilty of allowing our hearts to be left filthy as well. We look and act as we should while our souls are full of darkness. We must continue to converse with the Holy Spirit daily and trust His guidance to cleanse our sinful nature.
Prayer
Dear God, Please forgive our sinful nature. We yearn for cleansing from within, so we are genuine witnesses to Your name. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
