Good Morning “Josiah’s” Today we are in Lamentations 4.
As I read this chapter I am arrested at the depth of the suffering, and the continued sin of the remnant left behind. I can’t bring myself to repeat some of it here. Yet… God is Merciful and full of Grace! As God took Israel into captivity, He gave them encouragement through Jeremiah:
“I will bring Judah and Israel back from captivity and will rebuild them as they were before. I will cleanse them from all the sin they have committed against me and will forgive all their sins of rebellion against me.” Jeremiah 33:7-8 NIV
What was required of Israel… simply turn from their sin and return to God and His Word. The expectation has always been the same. It’s not like God changed the rules along the way. They knew all along, even before Jeremiah pled with them.
“Just as it is written in the Law of Moses, all this disaster has come on us, yet we have not sought the favor of the Lord our God by turning from our sins and giving attention to your truth.” Daniel 9:13 NIV
We’re given several examples of Gods Mercy in staying His hand of judgment in the face of repentance. Many years before the destruction of Jerusalem here, we have the story of King Josiah. Remember… he wanted to rebuild the Temple. During the renovations they found The Word of God. When Josiah heard it read, he tore his clothes, and sought a Prophet of God to seek The Lord on behalf of the people (2 Chronicles 34:21). Josiah didn’t just repent, he ordered the people to repent too. The Lord in turn told the prophet to inform Josiah He would turn back his imminent judgment.
As this chapter closes we see Gods mercy as well as it relates to Gods people, their punishment is nearing an end…
“Your punishment will end, Daughter Zion; he will not prolong your exile. But he will punish your sin, Daughter Edom, and expose your wickedness.” Lamentations 4:22 NIV
Is God preparing judgment for our sinful, unrepentant nation. Many believe He is. Oh that we might respond as King Josiah did.
What do we need to repent of?
Love you all! Dig in!
As I read this chapter I am arrested at the depth of the suffering, and the continued sin of the remnant left behind. I can’t bring myself to repeat some of it here. Yet… God is Merciful and full of Grace! As God took Israel into captivity, He gave them encouragement through Jeremiah:
“I will bring Judah and Israel back from captivity and will rebuild them as they were before. I will cleanse them from all the sin they have committed against me and will forgive all their sins of rebellion against me.” Jeremiah 33:7-8 NIV
What was required of Israel… simply turn from their sin and return to God and His Word. The expectation has always been the same. It’s not like God changed the rules along the way. They knew all along, even before Jeremiah pled with them.
“Just as it is written in the Law of Moses, all this disaster has come on us, yet we have not sought the favor of the Lord our God by turning from our sins and giving attention to your truth.” Daniel 9:13 NIV
We’re given several examples of Gods Mercy in staying His hand of judgment in the face of repentance. Many years before the destruction of Jerusalem here, we have the story of King Josiah. Remember… he wanted to rebuild the Temple. During the renovations they found The Word of God. When Josiah heard it read, he tore his clothes, and sought a Prophet of God to seek The Lord on behalf of the people (2 Chronicles 34:21). Josiah didn’t just repent, he ordered the people to repent too. The Lord in turn told the prophet to inform Josiah He would turn back his imminent judgment.
As this chapter closes we see Gods mercy as well as it relates to Gods people, their punishment is nearing an end…
“Your punishment will end, Daughter Zion; he will not prolong your exile. But he will punish your sin, Daughter Edom, and expose your wickedness.” Lamentations 4:22 NIV
Is God preparing judgment for our sinful, unrepentant nation. Many believe He is. Oh that we might respond as King Josiah did.
What do we need to repent of?
Love you all! Dig in!
Recent
Archive
2025
January
February
March
Categories
no categories
Tags
no tags