Sharing the Gift of Jesus

O. T. #1846  "Sharing the Gift of Jesus"

Dec. 23, 2020

Lamentations 5

LET IT GLOW

So time is close for us to finish our gift shopping. (My husband procrastinates.) But as we go out into the world, may we give the gift of Jesus to others along our way. So many need joy in their life.

Jerusalem was under siege for two years, then Babylon conquered it. The city wall sealed the people inside without food and water. It was so gruesome that the people engaged in the practice of cannibalism on their own children. (4:10) But they had brought these consequences of their sin upon themselves. (4:11) However, they had been forewarned by Jeremiah this was coming. If only they had repented of their sin of idolatry and turned; if only they had heeded Jeremiah's words and surrendered to Babylon then they would not have been is such a condition of famine. So those who remained in Jerusalem, all of them-children, women, princes, elders, and young men suffered terribly. (5:11-13) During that time, their enemies ate up their crops outside the walls of Jerusalem while waiting on their surrender.

Finally, in their broken condition, the Hebrews stop rationalizing their sin and take full responsibility for their disobedience. Acknowledging our sin is the first step to healing.

 In verse 16b they said, woe unto us, that we have sinned. They recognized that the cause of all their suffering was sin. So many  are suffering due to their sins. (Some suffer because they are doing God's will and evil attacks them, although.)

For this our heart is faint; for these things our eyes are dim. (verse 17) The Jews looked to other nations to help them, to their false priests, to their themselves, to no avail. Folks, God will do whatever it takes to bring His wandering child back to Him. When He does, we need to look to Him in repentance. His lovingkindness, grace, and mercy do not fail. Do we know someone in need of the Savior's forgiveness this season?

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 6:23) Have you received this wonderful gift?

If you are a straying Christian, there is good news-For whom the LORD loveth He chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom He receveth. (Hebrews 12:6)

Jesus can give us peace that passeth all understanding.

LET IT GROW

Despite of their sinful past, God restored these people when they returned to him. Their hope was only found in the Lord. Our grief should turn us toward Him, not away. Is Jesus your hope today?

 Looking to Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:2)

Restore us, O LORD, and bring us back to You again! Give us back the joys we once had! (verse 21)

Who are we looking to this Christmas season?  Those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31)

Like the father of the prodigal son, He is waiting for forgive and renew you. (Luke 15:11-32)  

We are told that God brought a remnant of believers from Israel and Judah back to Jerusalem to rebuild the city, the Temple, and their homes. (book of Nehemiah) Certainly their joy was restored. Do you need joy restored and renewed in your heart and life today? Jesus is the answer, friend. He left heaven to come down to earth in the form of a baby, to grow in wisdom as a boy, then to endure the cross, and rise from the dead in order to give us hope of eternal life. Is your faith placed in Jesus?              

 

LET IT GO

Thank You Jesus for being my Savior! I honor, praise, and worship You today as the only King, Savior, God.

Renew our strength to carry on, endure, and love others as You love us.

Jesus is the reason for the season.

May God bless you and your family this Christmas season.

Merry Christmas ya'll !