Today’s Reading, Lamentations 1-2
Focal Scripture: Lamentations 1:22 “Let all their wickedness come before you, and deal with them as you have dealt with me because of all my transgressions. For my groans are many, and I am sick at heart.”
Sin causes problems. We know this in our personal lives and in those around us. We also want those who have sinned against us to have the same punishments that we get for our sin. Our mentality can be if I have to suffer for sin, so should they.
Here we see the cry after Jerusalem has been destroyed. The city has been burned and flipped upside down. The writer of this lamentation is letting everyone know that he has sinned and was dealt with swiftly. He also wants those who have sinned against him to have punishment as well. After all if he has to groan from sin and pain others should have to as well.
If we are honest we all get in a position where this is true. When God deals with us we can wonder if others will have the same judgements. In one sense this is a fair thought. In another it shows our bent towards vengeance. In totality it shows our sinful heart and how we think about others.
My challenge for you today is to think about biblical justice. Think about the consequences of sin. Yes, it is ok to want others to suffer for their sins. However, we must remember that we are sinners as well. In our desire for biblical justice we have to make sure our hearts are right. We must make sure our thinking focuses on God and not what we want to happen.
Sin has consequences and God will deal with everyone the way he sees fit. Justice belongs to the Lord and not to us. Let us examine our hearts and make sure we are praying for God to move. Sometimes in our desire for justice we can sin against God and others if we are not careful.
Tomorrow I plan on reading Lamentations 3-5
