For several days I
have felt compelled to spend my study time in the book of Lamentations.
To be honest, it falls among the list of Old Testament books that I
consider to be largely "neglected" these days. As it's name indicates,
the author is lamenting the destruction of his beloved country and city.
Some of the saddest, heart rending verses you will ever read are found
in this book. Judah had repeatedly sinned, and God had allowed their
enemies to overrun them. The author grieves that his beautiful, proud
people has been reduced to squalor and starvation...
...then, somewhere in chapter three, his grief turns to repentance and repentance turns to hope.
I have heard people say (in jest), "'Vengeance is mine,' says the Lord, but I am his tool!" Uh, yeah. You don't want to be that. Here is the thing.As illustrated in this book, God will allow outside forces to overrun his people when is call to repentance has been ignored, but the purpose of the destruction is still repentance.
When that repentance does occur, his children are forgiven and their sins are forgotten. The child who has repented is instantly restored to his favor.
So when God then looks on his beloved child and sees an enemy abusing that favored child, how do you think God is going to react? That's right it isn't going to go well for the one doing the mistreating.
So here is the take away.
1) If God is subjecting you to his discipline, repent! He doesn't hate you, he has your best interest at heart.
2) If you see someone who is suffering as a result of their sin, do not jump on the "they deserve what they are getting" band wagon. Instead, be ready with a compassionate heart to help and restore those that God has disciplined. Someday it may be you.
Galatians 6:1 "Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted."
Matthew 5:4 "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted."
...then, somewhere in chapter three, his grief turns to repentance and repentance turns to hope.
I have heard people say (in jest), "'Vengeance is mine,' says the Lord, but I am his tool!" Uh, yeah. You don't want to be that. Here is the thing.As illustrated in this book, God will allow outside forces to overrun his people when is call to repentance has been ignored, but the purpose of the destruction is still repentance.
When that repentance does occur, his children are forgiven and their sins are forgotten. The child who has repented is instantly restored to his favor.
So when God then looks on his beloved child and sees an enemy abusing that favored child, how do you think God is going to react? That's right it isn't going to go well for the one doing the mistreating.
So here is the take away.
1) If God is subjecting you to his discipline, repent! He doesn't hate you, he has your best interest at heart.
2) If you see someone who is suffering as a result of their sin, do not jump on the "they deserve what they are getting" band wagon. Instead, be ready with a compassionate heart to help and restore those that God has disciplined. Someday it may be you.
Galatians 6:1 "Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted."
Matthew 5:4 "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted."
