I don't know how many times you've been through the Bible, but if you're like me there are parts you feel you just have to endure. Parts that don't seem to "speak" to you. I've had a little trouble wading through the prophets when they are directing judgments to particular countries, some of which are not even on the map now. Oh, the prophets are speaking of end times, yes! And about the coming Messiah? Bring it on!

But the destruction of Moab?

Yet, this morning, God's words to that very - extinct - nation came to life. What a surprise to find this word of truth: (Jeremiah 48:11, 12)

Moab has been at ease from his youth; he has settled on his dregs. He 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. "Therefore behold, the days are coming," says the Lord, "that I will send him wine-workers who will tip him over and empty his vessels and break his bottles..."

You say, What?! That was the passage that got you all inspired!? Yes, because I saw a little bit more of how God works, and I was able to hear a word of comfort and encouragement to all who are going through trials today.

Israel, unlike Moab, has been afflicted from "his youth." (Psalm 129:1) Since the nation of Israel was a tiny promise of what it became, it's been going through trials. Many of these things were brought on by their own sin coupled to the promises and plan of God.

Not only that, to bring this concept closer to us, Paul says that the greater Israel "tree" includes Gentile branches that were grafted in. You. Me. We are the people of God. And by definition that means many afflictions. Troubles. It's part of our upbringing as His children.

Moab knew no such thing. Moab just grew. And it grew more and more evil by the year. Finally God announced its quitting time with the words above. But in doing so He gave us a perfect picture of what trials do.

It's the wine-making allegory. The wine is made and stored in huge vats. It is fermented, and much of what is useful to taste and texture and scent sinks to the bottom. Such was Moab. Never had been stirred up. Never had been challenged. Just sat there year after year. They had a peace, but it was the kind the world gives, merely the absence of conflict, not the presence of God. They had prosperity, but it was the temporary kind that comes and goes then goes forever.

God says, you were never lifted up and poured into another vat. Never captured by another nation. So you thought all was well. If you had been stirred up those good things that sank to the bottom would have been released into the main stream of the "wine", and you would have acted better, tasted better, even had a better aroma.

So, Moab, I shall now help you. I will send those who will tip over your secure vessel, pour you into another vessel - Chaldea - and smash your original vessel. No return. For Moab, this was a forever judgment.

For those who are not in the "forever" category, perhaps I am speaking to people whose vessels have been tipped over, maybe more than once. You are the ones who have gone astray but whom God in love has been correcting. Your life was in upheaval, in chaos. Then you learned to call upon the name of the Lord, and He brought you through.

May I suggest that you not allow the "good stuff" to sink to the bottom again. The Bible tells us to "stir up the gift of God," and "if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged." It encourages us to enter violently into the kingdom, be aggressive with our claim to the things of God. To take nothing for granted.