Post by Lee on Sept 4, 2014 2:50:08 GMT
In the case of Sodom and Gomorrah the destruction of those cities was swift and summary. The final pangs of Jerusalem were intense and long drawn out. Their responsibility was far greater by reason of knowledge and instruction. Therefore, "The punishment of the iniquity of the daughter of my people is greater than the punishment of the sin of Sodom, that was overthrown as in a moment, and no hands stayed on her"
We are impressed with the lesson of responsibility. God had told Israel through Amos the prophet (3:2)—
"You only have I known of all the families of the earth: therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities."
This same principle pervades all the teaching of the Scriptures. The lesson of Israel's failure is set forth as an example for us to consider. Let us understand the magnitude of the love and mercy extended to us by God, in calling us to the knowledge of His eternal purpose. Let us not despise it, for in such case the judgments of God are reserved for us. For— "If the word spoken by angels was steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward; how shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation?"
It seems remarkable that the prophets and priests should be associated with the blood of the righteous (v. 13). Yet if we observe the record of these supposed leaders of God's heritage we see that it is a record of blood crying from the ground against them. Their action is well illustrated by the rulers in the time of Christ. It was the priests who were envious of the Master. It was this class who excited the people to cry, "Crucify him!" Christ had rightly assessed them as "blind leaders of the blind".
'They have wandered as blind men in the streets." (Lam. 4:14). There was no positive leadership in their teachings and actions, no certain destination to their idolatries; they were but ready to fall into the ditch.
1954 Berean
We are impressed with the lesson of responsibility. God had told Israel through Amos the prophet (3:2)—
"You only have I known of all the families of the earth: therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities."
This same principle pervades all the teaching of the Scriptures. The lesson of Israel's failure is set forth as an example for us to consider. Let us understand the magnitude of the love and mercy extended to us by God, in calling us to the knowledge of His eternal purpose. Let us not despise it, for in such case the judgments of God are reserved for us. For— "If the word spoken by angels was steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward; how shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation?"
It seems remarkable that the prophets and priests should be associated with the blood of the righteous (v. 13). Yet if we observe the record of these supposed leaders of God's heritage we see that it is a record of blood crying from the ground against them. Their action is well illustrated by the rulers in the time of Christ. It was the priests who were envious of the Master. It was this class who excited the people to cry, "Crucify him!" Christ had rightly assessed them as "blind leaders of the blind".
'They have wandered as blind men in the streets." (Lam. 4:14). There was no positive leadership in their teachings and actions, no certain destination to their idolatries; they were but ready to fall into the ditch.
1954 Berean