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Ring of Truth provides 366 daily ‘proofs’ that the Bible is consistent throughout from Genesis to Revelation, and relevant for our lives today!
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Lamentations 2:15
All who pass your way clap their hands at you; they scoff and shake their heads at the Daughter of Jerusalem: “Is this the city that was called the perfection of beauty, the joy of the whole earth?”
How far Jerusalem had fallen.
David made Mt Zion the most blessed place in Israel. Solomon built the Temple of God’s Name right there in Jerusalem. It was probably the greatest building that has ever graced the face of the earth. People came from all the surrounding countries and from afar, not only to gain an audience with Solomon, but also to sacrifice to the God of all the earth at the Temple.
Israel had peace and prosperity and became the envy of the world. God ordained that Jerusalem would be the centre of the world. He ordained that all peoples would come to Jerusalem to worship His Name and offer sacrifices. (See also Zechariah 14:16-19.) Jerusalem would be synonymous with God’s Presence, His blessing and praise.
How the mighty had fallen. Neither we nor Jerusalem have a hold on or a monopoly over God. Jerusalem turned her back on God and God turned His back on her and great was the fall. As I have said before – Jerusalem’s fall and devastation were not due to the punishment of a vindictive God so much as the natural outworking of turning away from God.
God could not prevent the curses and strife from coming as they had put themselves outside of His protection and blessing. They had chosen independence, which had led to falsehood, immorality, idolatry, and injustice. The results were bound to follow, as surely as night follows day – as darkness is allowed to encroach at the receding light. They were not victims; they were choosers. (See also Romans 1:21-32.)
The pattern and effect is exactly the same today. Where individuals choose independence, they choose to walk out from under the protective blessing of God, and the natural forces take over. It is no different for us. God gives us this awful picture as a warning. Independence from God results in disaster and despair. Total dependence upon God brings health, happiness, peace and prosperity. The choice is ours, is yours.
For those who have chosen independence, like Jerusalem, there is, however, hope. We can return to God and once more enjoy His favour and blessing.
Why? Because God is a faithful, loving God.
How? Because they said of Jesus what they said of Jerusalem. They mocked Jesus as He hung on the cross (Matthew 27:39). They clapped their hands, scoffed and shook their heads at Him. God “has laid on Him the iniquity of us all” (Isaiah 53:6). Jesus paid the price in full to set us free and bring us back into a relationship with God. (See also 1 Peter 1:18-19.)
One day, Jerusalem will be the City of God once more and the King of Glory will be ever present within her.
Won’t that be fantastic? And you could be there to witness it first hand.
But greater still is JESUS – the King of all kings and Lord of majesty and all glory.
HE is “the joy of the whole earth.” – Worship Him.
Remember the song? –
You are beautiful beyond description,
Too marvellous for words.
Too wonderful for comprehension,
Like nothing ever seen or heard.
Who can grasp Your infinite wisdom?
Who can fathom the depths of Your love?
You are beautiful beyond description
Majesty enthroned above.
I stand; I stand in awe of You
I stand; I stand in awe of You
Holy God to whom all praise is due
I stand in awe of You.
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