Is it nothing to you, all ye that pass by? behold, and see if there be any sorrow like unto my sorrow, which is done unto me, wherewith the LORD hath afflicted me in the day of His fierce anger. From above hath He sent fire into my bones, and it prevaileth against them: He hath spread a net for my feet, He hath turned me back: He hath made me desolate and faint all the day. The yoke of my transgressions is bound by His hand: they are wreathed, and come up upon my neck: He hath made my strength to fall, the Lord hath delivered me into their hands, from whom I am not able to rise up. (Lam 1:12-14)
Jeremiah now laments his condition, but realizes that the punishment that is brought on Jerusalem and Judah is because of their own rebellion against GOD. He is experience the judgment that GOD promised to all the surviving inhabitants of the city. But, he also knows that his sIn is worthy of this and more, for it is in direct opposition to the nature and character of GOD. He may cry for Jerusalem, and weep for himself and his fellow Jews, but he knows that our Holy GOD is righteous and just to punish us for our sIn; as people, as nations, and as the congregation of the righteous, for when we fail to follow the commands and commission of our GOD, we are guilty of disobedience and deserve His wrath. It is only by His mercy that we are not consumed.
This is a message for the Church as well, for we need to remember that just as GOD's chosen people the Jews were not above punishment and chastisement, neither is the Body of Christ, His Church. GOD will punish the disobedient and backsliden within her in order that the Church may be purified and holy. He has called us to share His message of grace to the nations, and if we have become too lazy, complacent, compromising, or comfortable to be obedient and accomplish His will then He will take us out of the way. We should be warned by such as happened to Jerusalem and Judah, and while we do not replace the Jews, GOD is dealing with us in some of the same ways, because He doesn't change.
If you are not one of His, and have never been born again, GOD has pronounced you guilty and sentenced you to judgment for your sIn. But, He is not willing that you should perish, but wants you to come to the knowledge of the truth. The Truth that His finished work on the Cross of Calvary is sufficient payment for your sIn debt to GOD and if you believe and receive His free gift of Salvation by Faith, He will give a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. Jesus loves you and wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. It is your choice: Condemnation or Christ, He calls to you today.
If you are a child of GOD, take this to heart and be obedient to Him and His Word.
In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet
This is a message for the Church as well, for we need to remember that just as GOD's chosen people the Jews were not above punishment and chastisement, neither is the Body of Christ, His Church. GOD will punish the disobedient and backsliden within her in order that the Church may be purified and holy. He has called us to share His message of grace to the nations, and if we have become too lazy, complacent, compromising, or comfortable to be obedient and accomplish His will then He will take us out of the way. We should be warned by such as happened to Jerusalem and Judah, and while we do not replace the Jews, GOD is dealing with us in some of the same ways, because He doesn't change.
If you are not one of His, and have never been born again, GOD has pronounced you guilty and sentenced you to judgment for your sIn. But, He is not willing that you should perish, but wants you to come to the knowledge of the truth. The Truth that His finished work on the Cross of Calvary is sufficient payment for your sIn debt to GOD and if you believe and receive His free gift of Salvation by Faith, He will give a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. Jesus loves you and wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. It is your choice: Condemnation or Christ, He calls to you today.
If you are a child of GOD, take this to heart and be obedient to Him and His Word.
In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet
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