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Lamentations 3:28-30
28Let him sit alone in silence when it is laid on him; 29let him put his mouth in the dust - there may yet be hope; 30let him give his cheek to the one who strikes, and let him be filled with insults.
The Story: The Bible includes stories of spiritual failure which show us how humbling can lead to restoration, King David being the pattern (Ps. 51; 2 Sam. 11:2-12:25). Spiritual brokenness before the Lord is demonstrated by relinquishing all prideful self-defense and embracing a quiet, humble posture. When the Lord lays the rod of discipline upon His own who live in rebellion to His will, it is remedial (Heb. 12:3-11). Those under His heavy hand have entered into a boundary time between the present and the unknown future. These times are rich for realizing epiphanies of His mercies (2 Cor. 12:7-11). For real change of character to emerge—that invites again the blessings of the Lord—one must be rid of both his heart’s idols and deflecting spin he often wants to voice. Rather, waiting in quiet and sustained contemplation is required.
The Structure: Knowing of the steadfast love of the Lord, introduced in the preceding verses, hope becomes anchored in confidence in God’s character. But hope must come with an acquiescing to the Lord’s right to rebuke us the way He chooses, even if it comes through the humiliating instruments of one’s enemies.
Reflect for a moment on how you have responded to those who once disparaged you. Do their words speak accurately of God’s assessment of your life or rather do they illustrate the corruption in their own hearts? In light of your answer, can you seek the Lord’s grace to live this day without retaliating?
For more information on this topic, get the book, Jeremiah, Lamentations, by Tremper Longman III.
The Worldview Bible examines the teaching of Scripture according to the Story and Structure of Truth – the Framework of Christian Worldview – using only other Scriptures for illumination. Information about The Framework of Truth is available on this site. Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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