Sunday September 18, 2016

An Inward Look, Please!

- LAMENTATIONS 1:12-22

Key Verse:

"Let all their wickedness come before thee; and do unto them, as thou hast done unto me for all my transgressions: for my sighs are many, and my heart is faint" (Lamentations 1:22).

At a certain time, Jerusalem's sin became very grievous. She became inwardly perverse; unclean as a menstrous woman. She had digressed to an evil heart of wickedness which was now known to all, causing people to turn away from her. Our text opens with a desperate cry for compassion; confessions were made. She confessed that her calamity led to her divine punishment. Nevertheless, she cried out from a heart of sorrow over her past transgressions. She talked about "fire into [her] bones". God's chastisement had subdued the inhabitants of the city. Her sons were woven into a yoke that was laid upon her neck. The young men had either died in war or had been taken into captivity. There was no relief from the anguish that the people were suffering. They were chocked with tears and no one came to comfort them. However, they did not just bemoaned their woeful state and hopelessness, they also acknowledged their rebellious attitude. Many believers are passing through needless fire of afflictions occasioned by their own errors. At some point, they carelessly allowed their robe of righteousness to be tainted by the deceitfulness of the devil. Unfortunately, many of those in distress feign ignorance of the source of their calamity. Jerusalem realised and recognised that her sinful state was the source of her ordeal. She also became conscious that she was serving a divine punishment. This provoked the beginning of her recovery. It is said that when an adult falls, he looks back to see what caused the fall; but when a child falls, he looks ahead. Take a scrutinous look at yourself. Where and why have you fallen? Be honest to make amends where necessary and strive to live a righteous life.

Thought for the day: Delay in making amends could cause unmitigated calamities.

Bible Reading in one Year:PROVERBS 7 - 8