Day 239

         The reality of the exile has set in, and life as the Israelites knew it is gone.  They are now living with the consequences of their idolatry and disobedience to the Lord’s covenant.  Thus, our theme for this week is consequences.  Whether we want to admit it or not, we all live with consequences.  As we will discover, some consequences are good and some are bad, and all of them are real.

Lamentations 2:1-4:22.  “Spoiled Children”

         “Why should we, mere humans, complain when we are punished for our sins?” – Lamentations 3:39

         A sign of maturity in the process of human cognitive and emotional development is the ability to accept consequences for our actions.  As a parent of young children, I am fully aware that this is an ability that children must learn as opposed to being born with it.
         In the reading today it seems as though the nation of Israel is still learning this lesson.  Like a spoiled child who has never been disciplined, Israel responded to the Lord with shock and dismay that He would pour out His anger on them.
         In the New Testament, Peter picks up on this theme in 1 Peter 2:20-21.  Peter says that you will be rewarded for suffering if you suffer for doing good.  However, if we suffer for doing wrong there is no reward.
         We all must deal with the consequences for our actions.  It doesn’t matter if we were right or wrong, every action will bring about some consequence. 

General Questions for each day:
Summarize the day’s Bible passage in your own words.
What thoughts, actions, attitudes or beliefs are addressed in the passage?
How is the Holy Spirit leading you to apply this passage to your life today?