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| [Picture by jaqian, flirk] |
In the previous post we read Jeremiah 3:20-23 (Click the link to read the verses.) We also learned that Jeremiah was very sad because Salomon's temple was destroyed. Jeremiah, in the midst of his trouble, blamed God for causing him pain. Even though he was hurt and suffering, he ran to God and presented his lament to him. After doing that, Jeremiah changed his perspective about God. He stopped blaming God for his suffering. Instead, He received hope and began to expect God's faithfulness and loving kindness in the midst of his heartache.
Sometimes, we respond to our disappointments the way Jeremiah did. When we face loss we have a tendency to blame God for it. We tend to doubt of his faithfulness and loving kindness.
Like Jeremiah, we can freely come to the throne of God. We can express our sorrow at the cross of our redeemer. When we do that, we will find that God is not the one who causes us pain. In fact, he is the one who wants to deliver us from evil. The Bible says that Jesus has come only to give us life. John 10:10 "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."
The bible also tells us that death and destruction came because of Adam's sin. As human beings we are born sinners. We do not deserve anything good from this world. We do not deserve blessings. We only deserve death. Romans 5:12 " Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned." This verse tells us that we need a savior with power to redeem us from that death. There are good news! Jesus Christ came to redeem us from that curse. Jesus Christ died for all of us. He became sin so we may become the righteousness of God. His blood, His death at the cross qualify us to receive God's blessings.
We can come to Jesus and find hope in his finished work at the cross. When we come to him, we realize that God is not angry at us. He does not wants to punish us for our sin any more. He has already punished our sin at the cross. Jesus took our punishment so we can enjoy a life of victory. Isaiah 53:5 "But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed."
Jesus Christ is the gift from God that gives us life. We have an assurance that Jesus will bring us out of any storm alive and victorious. His blood is greater than any circumstance we are facing. His name is more powerful than anything that would try to hold us back. There is no sin, offense, heartache that his blood cannot cover and heal Romans 5:15 "But God's free gift is not like Adam's sin. Many people died because of the sin of that one man. But the grace from God was much greater; many people received God's gift of life by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ."
Today is a good day to start focusing on the gift of salvation. Instead of placing our expectations in this world of imperfection, let's come to the cross. Let's bring our heartaches to Jesus. He is willing to help us. When we come to him, we must believe that Jesus' death and resurrection qualifies us to see God's faithfulness. Our victory in this world is secure in him. John 16:33 "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
