DCLM Daily Manna, Wednesday March 23, 2016 by Pastor Kumuyi - Enduring The Cross

Topic: Enduring the Cross [Wednesday March 23, 2016]

Text: Lamentations 3:22-41

Key Verse: "It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not" (Lamentations 3:22).

The picture of the ravaging destruction that followed the conquest of Jerusalem by the Babylonian forces of Nebuchadnezzar in 586BC is vividly given in the Lamentations of the Prophet Jeremiah. It is a funeral dirge that at once captures the tragic result of rebellion and disobedience of God's laws and the mercy of the Lord as He spares some of the people and offers hope for better days.

This pairing of chastisement and divine mercy is typical of the relationship between God and His people. Thus, although we have every line in the book drowning in tears of anguish, we also have sublime statements that soothe the mourner and give the assurance that hope is not lost. "The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him." "It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not... Though he cause grief, yet will he have compassion according to the multitude of his mercies...". When God punishes transgressors, He does not do so to derive pleasure but to correct and bring the remorseful offender in line in the race to eternal life in His Kingdom.

It causes our Lord pain also to see us in the trouble we bring on ourselves through disobedience and sin. But if He is a true and loving Father, He must do what it takes to restore us to the path of rectitude. Jeremiah promptly realised this and said: "it is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth." Our Lord's promise that: "He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son" (Revelation 21:7), should encourage believers to despise every challenge and look through the smoky space to discover the glory waiting above.

Thought for the day: Endure your cross to escape the curse.

Bible Reading in one Year: Deuteronomy 10-12

DCLM Daily Manna was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.