August 23, 2018
What does it say?
God’s people in Judah admitted their sin, asking God to see their disgrace and restore them.
What does it mean?
During the siege of Jerusalem, Nebuchadnezzar showed no mercy, regardless of age, gender, or status. The people left in the city, as well as those taken to Babylon, had lost their land and their rights. Their desperate prayer finally showed a proper perspective between their sin and God’s divine nature. He was still the Sovereign Lord who ruled Heaven and Earth from His eternal throne; He alone could save them. The recognition of their transgressions was so great that they feared He had finally disowned them. Their only hope was God’s faithfulness to His covenant promises.
How should I respond?
It’s human nature to look to God more earnestly when you’re desperate than when life seems under control. In fact, we can become so comfortable in His blessings that we incrementally inch away from His standards and will. When that is paired with decreased time in Scripture, prayer, and with God’s people – you may jolt to awareness, feeling very distant from Christ. Our sin offends God’s holiness, but that doesn’t mean He abandons us. He never moves. Jesus’ sacrifice closed the gulf created by sin; we close the gap of disobedience by returning to Him in repentance. What issue of disobedience do you need to confess to the Lord? Don’t wait until you’re desperate.