DCLM Daily Manna Friday 3 February 2023
TOPIC: The Wages of Rebellion
Text: Lamentation 1:12-22 (KJV)
KEY VERSE
“The LORD is righteous; for I have rebelled against his commandment: hear, I pray you, all people, and behold my sorrow: my virgins and my young men are gone into captivity.”
(Lamentations 1:18)
A police van drove recklessly into court premises and suddenly pulled up. Two police constables alighted and went to the back of the van to bring out a young man that had been accused of a crime. As the officers were dragging the man into the court with handcuffs on his hands, he was passionately begging and pleading with them to forgive and be merciful unto him.
Unfortunately, one of the prosecuting police officers told him in an unruffled mood that he has not offended them, but rather, his offence was against the state. So, his pleas should be directed to the court’s judge, the mouthpiece of the state, who alone can pardon or punish him.
The above Bible text which reveals Zion’s fruitless appeal for rescue and comfort is part of the lamentations of Prophet Jeremiah, who wept with a heavy heart over Jerusalem. The personified city with a desperate cry that people should look at her with pity and compassion because of her untold woes and calamities was Jerusalem. She admitted that the tribulations were occasioned by her sins and rebellion against God’s commandments.
Sin brings sorrow, shame and suffering. It brings reproach and anguish. It is a precursor of failure and defeat. Nevertheless, God provides an antidote to this: repentance through godly sorrow (Proverbs 28:13). He does not want the death of any sinner; rather, He delights in heartfelt repentance which brings forgiveness. He alone is the One who can pardon or punish the sinner.
Like the accused boy being taken to court in handcuffs, it is vain to cry to a human priest or preacher for forgiveness. It is only God that can pardon or condemn a sinner. If you confess and forsake your sins, and accept Him as your personal Lord and Saviour, you will receive pardon.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Sin begets suffering and servitude.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Matthew 12-13
