August 27
Lamentations 2:1-4:22
When it comes to the topic of sin, we must realize two things: sin has earthly consequences, but every sin, no matter how bad, can be forgiven, because the payment for sin is based on what Jesus has done, not on our feeble attempts at making things right. With that in mind we read in 1 John 1:8-10, "If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. If we claim we have not sinned, we are calling God a liar and showing that his word has no place in our hearts." We have just witnessed one of the most obvious expressions of evil committed against a people, not only in the death of those Israelites on October 7th, but in the vicious manner in which it was carried out. There is no obvious remorse from those surrounding those who carried out these actions, in fact they celebrated their actions, yet the masses are screaming "ceasefire" or yelling "think about the women and children". This was sin, unashamed as it was carried out. There are consequences to sin, and often it is those loved ones who surround us who will receive those consequences. This must be realized by all of us as we go about our sinful ways. None of us live in a bubble. Our actions do affect those we love. The actions of spouses affect their mates, the actions of parents affect their children, and the actions of children affect their parents. In our world where self is exalted, often consequences to others, never enter our mind.
We come to the book of Lamentations, as Jeremiah sits atop of Jerusalem and weeps as he witnesses the consequences of the sins of the people of Judah. Through him and the prophets before him and alongside of him, they were warned. But deep in sin, thinking there would never be any real consequences for their actions, they were surrounded in the devastating aftermath of unrepentant sin. We read Lamentations 2:11, "My eyes fail with tears, My heart is troubled; My bile is poured on the ground Because of the destruction of the daughter of my people, Because the children and infants Faint in the streets of the city." Again we read in 2:19, "Arise, cry out in the night, At the beginning of the watches; Pour out your heart like water before the face of the Lord. Lift your hands toward Him For the life of your young children, Who faint from hunger at the head of every street." As the people of Judah were heaping sin upon sin, ignoring all warnings, living like nothing would ever change, they never bothered to consider anyone but themselves. There in the aftermath, lied their children, receiving the consequences for their foolish actions and spiritual idolatry.
We read in Philippians 2:3-4, "Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others." The truth is we all will continue to sin. We must keep short accounts with God, and continually confess our shortcomings to Him. We must remember, as illustrated in Paul's words in Philemon 1:17-18, "If then you count me as a partner, receive him as you would me. But if he has wronged you or owes anything, put that on my account." Like the sins of the runaway slave, Onesimus, were to be put on Paul's account; our sins, not matter how heinous, can be placed on Jesus' account, for they have been "Paid in full" (John 19:30). May we live each day for Him, realizing what He has done for us both here on earth and for eternity. May we look at those we love and that surround us and consider them as we move forward on this earth.
Messages from Pastor Lloyd Pulley: