✝ Daily Encouragement (2/2/24) "The Sounds Of Commerce"

Published: Fri, 02/02/24

A daily, Bible-based perspective of hope, encouragement and exhortation. The online Bible teaching ministry of Stephen & Brooksyne Weber.

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Friday, February 2, 2024

Old mill on Chiques Creek near Mount Joy, PA

Notice the millstones in front.

"The Sounds Of Commerce"

Message summary: Today let us especially consider the blessing of the sounds of commerce.

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“I will banish from them the sounds of joy and gladness, the voices of bride and bridegroom, the sound of millstones and the light of the lamp” (Jeremiah 25:10).

Yesterday we passed an old mill along Chiques Creek. The owner apparently collects and displays old millstones on his property. Millstones are an ancient means of processing grain that were still used in relatively modern times. All throughout our area we have old grain mills such as the stunning Mascot Roller Mill that still gives demonstrations of milling.

Millstones are of course mentioned in the Bible, probably the most famous reference being a warning from Jesus in Matthew 18:6, "But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea".

Today's verse is another word of warning this time from Jeremiah concerning a consequence of God's judgment and the impending captivity. “I will banish from them the sounds of joy and gladness, the voices of bride and bridegroom, the sound of millstones and the light of the lamp” (Jeremiah 25:10).

It's a prophetic statement describing conditions that would occur when the nation of Judah fell captive to Babylon. The sounds indicative of the good life would be banished from them such as those things and experiences that bring about “sounds of joy and gladness”.

We are all (hopefully) familiar with the sounds of joy and gladness. Yesterday Brooksyne was playing a video with a giggling baby, one of life's many pleasant sounds, and it made me want to laugh though I was in my study two rooms down the hall.

The text goes on to illustrate sounds of a wedding which usually have lots of joyful sounds . These include music, the vows, and perhaps some impromptu sounds that make every wedding unique such as the phone that started ringing in the middle of a wedding and the minister was not amused. As he started lecturing the congregation about turning off their phones, he realized it was his cell that had been ringing. Oops.

Next month we expect to visit with Joey, a young man from the church we served in New England. At his wedding his bride sang a song to him that surprised him. But there were also the happy sounds of joyful fellowship and celebration at the reception.

In regard to the text I am especially intrigued by the phrase “the sound of millstones". I found a video (link below) of what a millstone sounds like. I suspect this sound would have represented a good harvest and thriving economy. In the course of our chaplaincy work we regularly hear the sounds of a production shop, a bustling office, the distinct sound of strapping tape in preparation for shipping at a distribution center.

Part of our thankful, positive attitude in life is expressed as we listen to the many sounds around us and hear the Lord at work in a variety of ways. Listen today for pleasant sounds in your life that are often taken for granted or sounds of productivity and commerce such as lawn-mowing or construction which we may seek to drown out .

Be encouraged today, Hebrews 3:13

Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Daily prayer: Father, we’re thankful for the immense variety of sounds that fill our day such as voices, machinery, music, prayer, wildlife, insects, and so much more. Those we usually take for granted are blessings that bring joy and gladness to our lives.We thank you for the sounds of commerce. We pray for our brothers and sisters who are hearing impaired and thank you for the aids and support given to them through various ministries and organizations. There is no greater “sound of joy or gladness” than that of hearing the voice of one(s) who surrenders his or her life and receives glorious forgiveness. Help us to be faithful workers in the harvest so that we can rejoice in the victorious sounds of the spiritual harvest of the souls of men and women, boys and girls. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

Today's Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources

"God, You're So Good" Watch on YouTube Passion

Millstone - The Video Bible Dictionary Video

Sound of Nazareth Village olive oil pressing Video

Mascot Roller Mill

Millstones are all over the property that is across from the mill in our lead photo.

This dam is upstream from the mill on Chiques Creek.

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Scripture references are from The Holy Bible: New International Version. © 1984 by International Bible Society; NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1995 by The Lockman Foundation, New King James Version (NKJV) Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. and the King James Version.

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