Bible Reading: Lamentations 1, 2; Hebrews 10:1-19
“The adversary hath spread out his hand upon all her pleasant things: for she hath seen that the heathen entered into her sanctuary, whom thou didst command that they should not enter into thy congregation” – Lamentation 1:10 (KJV)
Presumably, we have all been privileged to watch two team engaged in a tournament, when any of them commits infringement no matter how skilful he may appear on the field of play, a warning is given and if such is repeated, the referee may not hesitate to give red card! You and I know the implication of this disciplinary measure. Once a team is down by a player, it gives the opponent the upper hand in most cases especially if the advantaged team is also equal to the task.
Some are serving jail terms in prison today because of one infraction or the other. If human could devise this means of punishing the offenders, God has more as He could orchestrate the enemy to deal with his people. Hear the scripture: “Ephraim is smitten, their root is dried up, they shall bear no fruit. Yes, though they bring forth, yet will I slay even their beloved children. My God will cast them away because they did not listen to and obey Him, and they shall be wanderers and fugitives among the nations” – Hosea 9:16-17 (Amp)
The above scripture buttresses the reason behind the suffering of the people in the passage under consideration however Lamentations 1:15 opens our eyes to the hand behind the lamentation. Hear the scripture: “The Lord has treated my mighty men with contempt. At his command a great army has come to crush my young warriors. The Lord has trampled his beloved city as grapes are trampled in a winepress” (NLT).
In the same way, God can issue his heavy blow of punishment upon all who take delight in perpetual disobedience. To avoid this, turn away from what He frowns at and do His biddings!
Prayer: Blessed God, help me to walk in Your will all the days of my life in Jesus name.
Rev Julius Oluwole