The Word of GOD breathes fire into our lives. Some of those verses are powerful and sad too.
While John 11:35: “Jesus wept”, Matthew 27:46: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” and Mark 15:37: “And Jesus uttered a loud cry and breathed his last” are all heart-wrenching, they are followed by the Resurrection of Christ, the coming of the Holy Spirit and promises of an eternity with CHRIST.
Like Luke 6:21 assures us – “Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh”.
This week I am reflecting on some of the saddest endings in the Bible:
In Gen. 6:6, The LORD regretted that he had made man on earth, and it grieved him to his heart”
In Genesis 6:11, God regretted that He had made Saul king”.
In Genesis 19:26, Lot’s wife was turned into a pillar of salt when she disobeyed divine orders and looked back at the burning city of Sodom while fleeing. This action symbolises a longing for old life, disobedience to God’s command and a lack of faith, serving as a word of caution to each one of us.
In Genesis 7:16, the LORD shut the door of the ark behind Noah, his family, and the animals, rather than Noah closing it himself. Once God closed the door, it was sealed from the outside, representing the definitive start of the judgment and the end of the opportunity for others to enter. God had instructed Noah to place only one door in the side of the ark, emphasising a single, specific way to enter. The fact that the Lord “shut him in” signifies that God provided the ultimate protection, ensuring the safety of those inside.
Obey HIM, live. Continue in sin, die and face judgement.
Peter denied Jesus three times and repented. Judas betrayed Jesus and then went and hanged himself.
In Luke 13, a fig tree was at the risk of being cut down. The owner’s plan: “For three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree, and I still find none. Cut it down” (Luke 13:7) Meanwhile, the gardener’s plea: “Sir, leave it alone for one more year, until I dig around it and fertilise it. Then if the tree bears fruit next year, so much the better; if not, you can cut it down.” (Luke 13:9)
We may have been given many ultimatums by our praying family, friends and pastors. If we do not change our ways, His righteousness will not change; we will have to face Him as a righteous judge on judgement day.
Our Pappa God is anything but a fickle, frustrating dad. He is ever faithful, ever true. His children, then, just have to run to Him if we have messed up, and make amends.
What in you and me is still displeasing to Christ?
Something to think about – during this LENT. And after.
#RepentAndLive #Lent
