Jeremiah questioned the
predictions of people and why they come to pass, good and coming from
the mount of God, and in the thirty-ninth verse of chapter three of
Lamentations we encounter the third question that Jeremiah posed as
he continued his lament over the destruction of Jerusalem and Judah
where we read:
Wherefore does a living
man complain, a man for the punishment of his sins?
The
verse begins, “Wherefore does a living man complain,...”
Jeremiah desires to know “wherefore” or “why”
“does a living man complain” which means “murmur, groan
or be sorrowful”? While a man is still alive there is ample time
for alteration, new direction, and resolution to his difficulties.
However, a dead man does not have these opportunities. The idea is
that a man should be grateful that he is given a chance for change.
The
verse continues, “...a man for the punishment of his sins?”
Jeremiah adds “for the punishment of his sins” as the
reason for the complaints. Because the man has engaged in sinful
activities, he is enduring “punishment” or “fault,
penalty, and calamity”. Yet, there is still opportunity for change.
Once again, even though a man may have allowed sin and punishment
because of it, he is living and has opportunity to adjust himself in
alignment with God.
We are
told in the book of Galatians in chapter six and verse seven:
Be not deceived; God is
not mocked: for whatsoever a man sows, that shall he also reap.
There
are times when sin and sinful activities are punished, but as long as
a person is alive, repentance is available. Jesus Christ came into
this world “to save sinners”, and those who will turn to Him, ask
for forgiveness, and repent of their ways will find He is always
ready to receive them. If we are enduring what appears to be
“punishment” for our sins, we must remember that the
“punishment” for all sin was laid upon Jesus Christ when
He died upon the cross. Because Jesus took the “punishment”
that we deserved, we may now come boldly to Him and receive Him as
our Lord and Savior. May the Lord lead those who have not tasted of
Jesus' grace to bow before His throne and receive Him today.
Next
time we see a directive to the people from Jeremiah, so read ahead, and
we shall join together then.
Until
tomorrow...there is more...
Look
for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From
Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be
Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the
Mount” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ;
www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at
www.mrzlc.com/bookstore
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