When Consequences Hurt

The Word is first...

Jeremiah 14:9 (NIV)

⁹ Why are you like a man taken by surprise,

like a warrior powerless to save?

You are among us, O Lord,

and we bear your name;

do not forsake us!

The Holy Bible : New International Version. electronic ed. Grand Rapids : Zondervan, 1996, c1984

Today's study passage from Jeremiah comes from a time when God's chosen people were being punished by drought for their sinfulness. In this section is a vivid description of the suffering of the land, the people and the animals of that country as God repeats the lamentations of the people. At the end of this lament (V8-9), God shares with Jeremiah how the people address their God and try to cajole Him into action on their behalf.

In V8 they acknowledge that God is the 'Hope of Israel' and 'its Savior in times of distress' but from there they quickly devolve into needling God in hopes of provoking a positive response. In V9 they question God "Why are you like a man taken by surprise..." which is to say that 'under normal circumstances you would have the ability and wherewithal come to our aid but in this situation you have been caught unprepared, surprised out of your wits to the extent that you are now powerless.' I think that's a mighty presumptuous charge on the part of a nation of backsliding sinners!

They don't stop there and instead continue with 'like a warrior powerless to save?' In this question they acknowledge that God once possessed the power to win in combat but now has not the strength to lift his sword and shield to engage in battle. Again I find this extremely provocative and as is revealed in the next verse, it is ineffective.

V9 closes with the acknowledgment that despite their sinfulness, "You are among us, O Lord." Even in their desperation they do not lose sight of the fact that God is faithful and ever-present among his believers. Though they don't act like believers nevertheless they are believers. Otherwise, they would not have confessed their great backsliding and sinfulness. Further there is an acknowledgment that "we bear your name" and a plea "do not forsake us!" All of which is for naught for even though they confessed their sinfulness and even though they poetically lament their condition to God yet they have not yet repented. Accordingly, the pleas and confessions are not accepted and forgiveness is withheld. Repentance is a fundamental condition to forgiveness.

My thoughts turn to consider how often I have cried out to the Lord in my rightful suffering. By rightful suffering I mean 'enduring the consequences of my sinfulness.' There have been times when I have experienced great remorse at my sinfulness yet nevertheless continued in my bad behavior. I too bear the name "Christian" and though I cried and whined and said "I'm sorry," God allowed me, as a matter of discipline, to suffer my self-inflicted wounds. It was not till I turned from my sinfulness and repented that God intervened and removed me from that painful situation.

What about you in the grips of the consequences of your sin? What is your response when consequences hurt? Do you cry out to the Lord like a petulant child with a heart of remorse yet with an attitude of pride? Or do you confess and repent that the Lord may bring the rain to the barren desert of your suffering? Do you try to provoke God by calling him names or questioning his power? Or do you prostrate yourself before him, praising him for his power, thanking him for his faithfulness and enjoining him to further refine you towards the image of his Son Jesus? There is likely truth to be told in response to each of these questions and I leave that as a matter between you and your God; the God by whose name you are saved and called.

In His Grip,

Carl