Jeremiah 48:11 Moab hath been at ease from his youth, and he hath settled on his lees, and hath not been emptied from vessel to vessel, neither hath he gone into captivity: therefore his taste remained in him, and his scent is not changed.
In ancient times wine was permitted to rest on its “dregs,” i.e., “sediment,” in order to acquire the highest degree of flavor. However, it could not sit long or it would lose the very thing it was trying to gain. Purity and value were gained as it was poured into new wineskins; and finally, from the new wineskins to cup.
The Moabites were proud of their national culture. They had wealth and intelligence. But they had lost the value of the altar. They were “intoxicated” on their own form of secularism. They were never “poured out.” Jeremiah said that they “settled.” Stagnation of the spirit became their undoing.
David wrote: Psalms 126:5 They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. Psalms 126:6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.
Paul said, Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
Poured Out. Dry eyes produce dry spirits. Empty altars result in failing faith. Poured Out. The only way for us to be saved in this hour is to have open hearts and poured out lives before the Lord. Serving, giving, and sacrifice are the ingredients of strength. Crying out to God in worship is a washing of the mind and spirit. We must be Poured Out!
Standing back and watching others worship devalues our walk. The out of focused life produces stagnation and apathy. We must not trade pathos for passivity. We are in the fight of our lives and we must win the Prize. We must give time to the most important things: Prayer, worship, and the Word. Hear me… the accumulation of things is not the measure of success and settling is fodder for a cold and indifferent spirit. Today, we must be Poured Out!
Pastor Jeffrey Harpole