Nov. 3, 2021

Judgment and Mercy

Overview: Jeremiah 47-48, Philemon 1

Jeremiah prophesies the Lord’s judgment on the nations of Philistia and Moab because they trusted in other gods and opposed Him. God promises to destroy the Philistines, one of Israel’s oldest enemies (Joshua 13:2-3). The Lord judges Moab for their idolatry, but also promises to one day restore them (Jeremiah 48:47). 

Paul writes his letter to Philemon to show the power of the gospel to transform lives and human relationships. Philemon’s servant, Onesimus, ran away while in his service. Paul urges Philemon to receive him back as a fellow believer, rather than treating him as a slave. He closes with personal greetings from his imprisonment in Rome (Acts 27-28).