Topic: A Just Recompense [Thursday March 10, 2016]
Text: Lamentations 3:1-8
Key Verse: “I am the man that hath seen affliction by the rod of his wrath. Surely against me is he turned; he turneth his hand against me all the day” (Lamentations 3:1,3).
One of the terrible consequences of living in sin is loosing favour with God. Jeremiah was grieved at the sin of the nation and wanted them to repent. Retribution is a process of meting out merited requital – punishment for evil or reward for good. It involves the act of paying someone back according to their behaviour.
Thus, many (incorrectly) think that “divine retribution” means only an expression of God’s wrath. “Divine retribution,” however, involves reward and punishment, blessings and curses. The Bible depicts various characteristics of God. He is described as unlimited and boundless, merciful and forgiving. Also, He is depicted as a relentless and fearful God. Those who do not fear Him and sin with impunity, risk His punishment. There were blood shedding, oppression, power corruption, abuse of slaves and the weak in Jerusalem before its fall. God had sent His prophets many times to His people to reveal their sins, demanding repentance. Those prophets were persecuted or even killed.
The fall of Jerusalem came after numerous judgmental proclamations. Although God is merciful, He also punishes those who disobey Him. He does not spare the rod. On several occasions, He turned His back against Israel and they suffered defeat in the hands of their enemies. The frequent disobedience of the children of Israel and their habitual murmuring against God, resulted in the death of many of those who joyfully left Egypt for Canaan.
Our relationship with God can be restored today through prayer of repentance. Though individuals and nations act as if there is no more punishment for sins here and hereafter, God is immutable and will not alter His word and consequences for sin.
Thought for the day: Sin makes the cup of affliction a bitter one.
Bible Reading in one Year: Numbers 11-13
DCLM Daily Manna was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.
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