DCLM Daily Manna Sunday, June 26, 2022
TOPIC: In Trouble, Plead For Mercy
TEXT: LAMENTATIONS 5:1-22
KEY VERSE: “Wherefore dost thou forget us for ever, and forsake us so long time? Turn thou us unto thee, O LORD, and we shall be turned; renew our days as of old” (LAMENTATIONS 5:20, 21).
DCLM Daily Manna Sunday, June 26, 2022 OUTLINE
The escape route for many people in spiritual crisis is to lament endlessly about their pathetic condition, and recounting what others did to them. They believe that when they do that long enough, they will attract the sympathy and support of other people. But what they really need is neither sympathy nor support, but a remedy to whatever caused the break in ties with God.
In our text, Jeremiah pleaded with God to remember the plight of the children of Israel and to consider the evil that had come upon them. Strangers had taken over their houses, their children had been orphaned and their women had been widowed. They were persecuted, subjected to hard labour and denied rest. They helplessly served the heathen nations that oppressed them.
Jeremiah said they were paying the price for their fathers’ sins. They were being ruled by servants, and there was no one to deliver them. They faced terrible famine, and laboured so hard to feed themselves. No one had any cause for joy or pleasure; the weight of sin was heavy on them. They became discouraged and despondent, as desolation reigned all around them. He acknowledged that God had not changed, that He remains the same in all generations. Then, he pleaded that the Lord should restore them to their old relationship, and cease to be angry with them.
Every act of sin will eventually be punished. At such times, it will be clear that God has turned away from the sinner. Yet, He does not abandon people altogether. He expects the sinner to plead for mercy, repent and return to Him. When this is done, He will surely receive him/her.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Let your suffering turn you to God, not away from Him.
THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: ZECHARIAH 6-9
