Being Poured Out- Greatness Cometh Jeremiah 48:11
“ Moab has been at ease from his youth; He has settled on his dregs, and has not been emptied from vessel to vessel, nor has he gone into captivity. Therefore his taste remained in him, and his scent has not changed.
Moab had taken the land from the giant Emims (Dt.2: 9-10) Moab had retained it and prospered without any suffering or tribulation. They lived at ease never learning to trust in Jehovah.
Being “poured from vessel to vessel perfected the finest wine” and this improved the quality and separated the liquid from the dregs (sediment).The goal was to one day be set on the King’s table, and poured out in his service.
Listen to Paul’s words in Romans 5:3b-5NKJ …we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
What a picture of Christian life- poured from experience into experience.
* Moab wanted ease and rest without warfare; without straggles.
Once DL Moody, in answer to a man who said he did not need the church, quietly pulled a coal from the hearth and separated it, and together they watched it die. It was a legitimate answer.
#1. If you’re going to be a vessel anointed by God you must experience “pressure and testing.”
When the lid was clamped on, the pressure would build. They’d put it in a dark basement and often leave it there for years. As the pressure mounted, it produced the purity and maturity found only in the best wines.
Does this sound familiar? Pressure, tribulation etc.
Psalm 34:17-19NKJ The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears, And delivers them out of all their troubles. 18 The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit.19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the LORD delivers him out of them all.
What you’ve been taught must be tested, or it has no real value. Some lessons can’t be learned without storms.
Moab had lived in ease…he hath…not been emptied from vessel to vessel.
Listen to Zephaniah 1:12NIV At that time I will search Jerusalem with lamps and punish those who are complacent, who are like wine left on its dregs, who think, “The LORD will do nothing, either good or bad.”
The prophet describes a people that have become indifferent and slothful. (Morally indifferent)
#2. Before you can move from the natural to the supernatural, you’ll have to face the wind and the waves of life.
Billy Graham once said, “Out of defeat can come the best in human nature. As Christians face storms of adversity, they may rise with more beauty. They are like trees that grow on mountain ridges- battered by winds, yet trees in which we find the strongest wood.”
James 1:2-4NIV Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Testimony: I’m reminded of my parents losing 300,000 in underinsured merchandise in a matter of 3 hours. The pressure was on the next morning they decided to still honor God with their tithe. They’re business was built back, and did more than they ever did in revenue!
During Moses’ leadership God told Israel to leave Moab alone. (God blesses Moab) but it’s taken for granted.
Jeremiah 48:12NIV But days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when I will send men who pour from pitchers, and they will pour her out; they will empty her pitchers and smash her jars.
Moab was destroyed by God- He fought against them by not defending them. (Living without the hedge?)
Psalm 1:1-6TM How well God must like you— you don't hang out at Sin Saloon, you don't slink along Dead-End Road, you don't go to Smart-Mouth College. 2-3 Instead you thrill to God's Word, you chew on Scripture day and night. You're a tree replanted in Eden, bearing fresh fruit every month, Never dropping a leaf, always in blossom. 4-5 You're not at all like the wicked, who are mere windblown dust— Without defense in court, unfit company for innocent people. 6 God charts the road you take.
The road they take is Skid Row.
Prayer: If you are being poured out and trusting the Lord, I proclaim over you “greatness cometh!”
