Like an Enemy
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Like an Enemy
We should not feel sorry for ourselves as we suffer the consequences of our sins. Think of the Old Testament examples of Saul, Ahab, and Esau, who were only sorry for the consequences they suffered for their sins. They were not sorry for having sinned against the LORD God Almighty, who created, loves, and sustains us. They didn’t care that they had polluted God’s holy name in front of many people.
For that reason, Jeremiah wrote in Lamentations 2:5-7 regarding the consequences of all Israel’s sins,
The Lord has become like an enemy.
He has swallowed up Israel;
He has swallowed up all its palaces,
He has destroyed its strongholds
And multiplied in the daughter of Judah
Mourning and moaning.And He has violently treated His tabernacle like a garden booth;
He has destroyed His appointed meeting place.The LORD has caused to be forgotten
The appointed feast and sabbath in Zion,
And He has despised king and priest
In the indignation of His anger.The Lord has rejected His altar,
He has abandoned His sanctuary;
He has delivered into the hand of the enemy
The walls of her palaces.
It’s so easy to only want to only think about the love of God. Thinking about God’s judgment makes a person uncomfortable. Our guilt causes us to quickly think of other things that put us in a better light, like the nice things we occasionally do.
But, as sinners, we cannot fully appreciate the love, forgiveness and salvation of God, unless we fess up to our utterly lost condition. We are without hope in our sins, until we lay all our sins on Jesus. Jesus is the only one who can wash us clean and make us whole.
Why did God become “like an enemy” to Israel? Why did God cause Israel to fall before her enemies? Why, oh why did God allow His own temple to be destroyed? Even the Sabbath and all the special feasts became forgotten celebrations.
Unrepentant sin was the problem then as it is now. So, Jesus warns us in Matthew 24:12,
Because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will grow cold.
…and in John 14:15,
If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.
So, Peter pleaded in Acts 2:38,
Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
That’s not the modern way of preaching — but, it is God’s desire for our eternal welfare.
Glad for God’s faithful reminders, we say, “Hallelujah! LORD, we praise You for washing away all our sins in Christ Jesus.”
Love,
Margaret
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A Christian devotional to glorify the LORD of lords and GOD of gods.
Pray for our country.
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The LORD made this day, let us rejoice and be glad in Him.
Psalm 118:24
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The word of the LORD is tried;
He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him.
Psalm 18:30
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Sing for joy in the LORD, O you righteous ones;
Praise is becoming to the upright.
Psalm 33:1
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How blessed are those who dwell in Thy house!
They are ever praising Thee.
Psalm 84:4
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Just as a father has compassion on his children,
So the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him.
Psalm 103:13
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O give thanks to the LORD, for He is good;
For His lovingkindness is everlasting.
Psalm 107:1
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Glory in His holy name;
Let the heart of those who seek the LORD be glad.
Psalm 105:3
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Not that I have already obtained it, or have already become perfect, but I press on in order that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:12
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