There are two passages assigned for today!
SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 15
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
My heart cries out over Moab; her fugitives flee as far as Zoar, as far as Eglath Shelishiyah. They go up the way to Luhith, weeping as they go; on the road to Horonaim they lament their destruction. [Isaiah 15:5]
It is one thing to want justice, it is another thing to enjoy punishment.
Moab was one of the wicked neighbours that was guilty of atrocities against Israel, along with Babylon, Assyria and the Philistines [Isaiah 14:4, 25,29].
But as Isaiah describes their punishment, his heart cries for them.
Isaiah is giving voice to God’s grief for the suffering of people – even wicked people.
It is the same sorrow that is expressed by Jesus on the cross – Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” [Luke 23:34]
God does not enjoy watching people suffer; it is because of this that He intervenes in the affairs of the world to punish the wicked, those who cause people to suffer.
But even when God punishes people, His heart aches.
And why not, are they not His children too?
All people are His children, and He loves them all; He does not love what they have become, or the things that they do, but He is not cold to their misery as they reap the consequences of their actions.
We also see this in Jesus’ parable of the prodigal son [Luke 16], where the Father sadly allows the son to make his foolish choice, and eagerly waits for him to come to his senses, and excitedly welcomes him back.
God’s heart cries out over those who abuse others, as well as those who suffer in prison for their crimes.
God’s heart cries out when He sees bullies picking on other kids at school, as well as when they end up with no friends.
God’s heart cries out when we make stupid choices, and when we suffer the consequences of those choices.
Do we see God with tears in His eyes as He watches us live out our lives?
Do we see God with tears in His eyes as He sees the people that we are angry at?
Do we share God’s tears for the wicked, the foolish, the violent, the guilty?
Is this not what it also means to love our enemies?
PRAYER:
Lord, I do feel sad for all people who suffer, including those who did stupid things that caused that suffering. I can relate, because I have done stupid things too. Thank You for caring for me, even when I don’t know what I am doing.
The destruction of the people was very great. They cry out. They weep. All their earthly treasures they carry. But their cries continue as their destruction. And where do they turn during this happening? Where do they find comfort?
My Comforter is the Lord my God. Their distress should have brought them to their knees seeking their Saviour but they didn’t. And their fellow man couldn’t help.
When bad things happen Lord, may my heart also go out to their destruction and agony. Help me to make the right choices in life. Help me to pray and warn those who have gone their own way to repent and return to You so them may seek and find forgiveness of their sins.
Help me each day Lord to walk in You Way.
Amazing grace! How sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I’m found, was blind, but now I see
‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear the hour I first believed
Through many dangers, toils and snares I have already come
‘Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home