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Observations from today’s readings and today’s S-WOD, Wednesday, 30 August 2023:
Lamentations 5:21-22 – Restore us to yourself, O LORD, that we may be restored! Renew our days as of old— unless you have utterly rejected us, and you remain exceedingly angry with us.
“Lamentations takes the readers from the depths of despair to the heights of hope as it moves almost seamlessly from grim portrayals of Judah’s suffering at the hands of the Babylonians (chap. 2) to its strong affirmation of the enduring faithfulness of the Lord to His covenant people (3:22–33). As we come to the end of the book today, however, we must ask where the book leaves us. What are the last words Jeremiah wants us to remember as we contemplate the message of the book as a whole?
Given that much of Lamentations 5 is exceedingly negative and describes the rape and plunder of Jerusalem in great detail (for example, vv. 4, 8, 11–12), we might think that we should walk away thinking that the Lord did not hear Jeremiah. That would be an inaccurate conclusion. In fact, the way Jeremiah concludes his lamentations encourages a hopeful view of the future and an attitude that expects God to finally intervene and redeem His children.
First, that the last chapter of Lamentations is a prayer (see v. 1) indicates that Jeremiah believed the relationship between God and Judah still existed no matter how much it had been strained by the people’s sin. If there were no true possibility of reconciliation, there would be no point in praying. God’s relationship with Judah had been strained, not snuffed out.
Second, the open-ended nature of the chapter encourages readers to look ahead to what the future could be and not to dwell on the past. The ancient Judahite who read Lamentations 5 or heard Jeremiah pray the prayer recorded in it would certainly never want to forget that idolatry had brought the nation to its knees. However, Lamentations 5 does not dwell on past sin but looks forward to the possibility of forgiveness (vv. 21–22). By implication, this says that Judah’s past transgressions did not have to define it forever.
Third, the stress on the Lord’s sovereignty (v. 19) encourages confidence. Judah was not to trust in its own ability to set things right but rather remember that the Lord who first loved them was sovereign. He could overcome the most stubborn of hearts.
Finally, as John Calvin comments, the call in verse 22 for God to forgive Judah unless He had utterly rejected them is key. Calvin says that any thoughtful reader would know that such complete and final rejection was impossible on the part of the Lord who promised to love Abraham’s seed forever (Gen. 12:1–3). The “unless” of verse 22 is not really a condition but rather, for those with eyes to see it, a pointer to God’s steadfast covenant love.
Prayer is a vital sign that our relationship with God is true and strong. The desire to call upon the name of the Lord can only be granted by the Lord Himself, and so when we pray to Him with sincerity, acknowledging our sins and hoping in His mercy, we demonstrate that we remain in His hand. Prayer also looks forward in hope to the future God has for us. In asking Him to be with us and meet our needs, we show our confidence that the best is yet to come. Are you discouraged this day? Pray.” (Ligonier Ministries)
1 Timothy 4:1 – Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons….
Yes, some will ‘fall from the faith.’ But genuine faith does not fail. Those with genuine faith, a gift not earned, have complete assurance in their salvation.
1 Timothy 4:7 – Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness….
Godliness requires training.
1 Timothy 4:12 — Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.
Timothy desired to serve the Lord, yet he lacked confidence. He was young and sickly, and he did not possess the outward bearing that would instantly command the respect of others. (1 Tim 5:23) He, no doubt, seemed an unlikely candidate to boldly preach the Gospel to both believers and unbelievers during an age of persecution in the Roman Empire. Paul urged Timothy not to let his insecurities thwart him or cause him to be influenced by those bolder, more confident, more accepted, seemingly more successful teachers who preached popular lies.
Paul urged Timothy NOT to argue with those who proclaimed “irreverent, silly myths.” (1 Timothy 4:7) Rather, Paul urged him to live as an example of godliness – “train yourself for godliness” – with the same diligence a professional athlete would have to train for the games – “toil and strive.” He urged Timothy to live a life that was spotless in “speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity,” to be a model for others to follow.
Timothy’s life was to be the evidence of the God who called him. And from that position of holy credibility, Timothy was to preach the truth boldly and fervently (as opposed to living just a quiet example as some Christians suggest we should do). Paul told Timothy to “command and teach these things” – yes, command! Despite his youth and physical frailty, Timothy had some distinct advantages over his seemingly more powerful adversaries – he was empowered by the Holy Spirit; he was sincere; and he was well trained and experienced “in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine.”
Paul urged Timothy to confidently press forward as a well-trained Ambassador of Christ under the authority of Christ – “devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching.” And Paul encouraged Timothy to continue to strengthen his abilities – “Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress.”
Paul reminded Timothy of the two indissoluble, essential attributes that make a great leader – character and competence – and he reminded him to be self-aware of these attributes in his life: “Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.” Timothy was not to reduce himself to the level of those who desired to fight him – “Never wrestle with a pig in the mud because you both get dirty, and the pig likes it.”
Jesus said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Under the authority of Christ who has empowered us with the Holy Spirit, we have been called to serve as his Ambassadors, a kingdom of priests, proclaiming the truth to the kingdoms of the world, commanding obedience to the LORD. Our strength and authority doesn’t come from our human abilities or position. Nothing should intimidate us. Even our weaknesses are used by God to demonstrate to the world His strength (2 Corinthians 12:9) We should “boast all the more gladly of [our] weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon [us].” I am afraid that the “seeker-sensitive” church has become too concerned about appealing to the world through superficiality rather than living holy lives while shamelessly proclaiming the truth to those who need to face the realities of sin against a Holy God. As Proverbs says, “Better is open rebuke than hidden love…. and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel.” Don’t remain silent, and don’t argue; just lovingly and graciously speak the truth straight from the word of God, and let the Holy Spirit work in the hearts of others. Our words should be like “public reading of Scripture,” teaching and, yes, even exhorting, but always with love, gentleness, and humility. (1 Timothy 4:13)
“Cross” Fit S-WOD (Spiritual Workout of the Day) – 30 August 2023: Train for godliness today. (1 Tim 4:7)
Defenders Bible Reading Plan 