Friday, October 22 2010
Lamentations 4
Verse of the Week: V1 “How is the gold become dim! How is the most fine gold changed! The stones of the sanctuary are poured out in the top of every street.”
1. The Pure Gold Became Dim (V1-12)
V1 “How is the gold become dim! How is the most fine gold changed! The stones of the sanctuary are poured out in the top of every street.”
The people of Israel became proud since they thought they were the people of God and had the license to sin. They became cruel and wicked, and some even boiled and ate their own babies and children when there was war and famine in the land. God’s people who were supposed to be shining as the most fine gold for the glory of God became dull and dim and stumbling stones awaiting God’s punishment.
V10 “The hands of the pitiful women have sodden their own children: they were their meat in the destruction of the daughter of my people.”
2. The Pure Gold Became Deceitful (V13-20)
V13 “For the sins of her prophets, and the iniquities of her priests, that have shed the blood of the just in the midst of her,”
Even the prophets and priests of Israel became deceitful as they compromised and sinned against God. It was a sad and tragic day for the entire nation of Israel as they were under the anger and judgment of the Lord. It is so important for the people of God especially, the preachers of God, to live a holy life and preach the Word of God with truth and courage, rebuking sins even if it costs their popularity or even their lives.
V16 “The anger of the LORD hath divided them; He will no more regard them: they respected not the persons of the priests, they favoured not the elders.”
3. The Pure Gold Becomes Shining (V21-22)
V22 “The punishment of thine iniquity is accomplished, O daughter of Zion; He will no more carry thee away into captivity: He will visit thine iniquity, O daughter of Edom; He will discover thy sins.”
Though the people of Israel sinned against God, and were punished by Him, yet He will forgive them if they confess and repent of their sins. God allows troubles in our lives so that our faith can be tested and we shall come forth as gold shining brightly for Him.
Job 23:10 “But He knoweth the way that I take: when He hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.”
Prayer of the Week
Dearest God, please help me to be the pure gold that shines brightly for Your glory.
