October 17

Jeremiah 47–49 records God’s judgment against the nations surrounding Israel. The Philistines, Moab, Ammon, and others are all warned that their pride, idolatry, and cruelty will bring destruction. These prophecies remind us that God is sovereign not only over His own people but over all nations. No power is beyond His reach, and no arrogance will stand against Him. Yet even within judgment, there are glimpses of hope—God promises restoration for some, showing that His justice and mercy are perfectly balanced.

Psalm 80 is a heartfelt cry for God to restore His people. The repeated refrain, Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved, captures the longing of a people who know they need God’s presence above all else. It reminds us that our only true hope and renewal come from His mercy and power.

In 2 Peter 1, believers are urged to make every effort to grow in faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly affection, and love. Peter reminds us that God’s divine power has already given us everything we need for life and godliness through knowing Christ. Just as the nations in Jeremiah could not stand in their pride, so we are called to humility and growth, depending on God’s power to transform us into fruitful followers of Christ.

Together, these passages teach us that human pride ends in ruin, but those who seek God’s face are restored. Through Christ, we have everything we need to live in godliness, and our calling is to grow daily in His likeness.

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