There are a number of things to note about all these punishments. First, they are directed at God's people. Peter says in his first letter that judgement begins with the house of God (1 Peter 4:17). So if we take these verses and say "aha, this is what you heathens get", then we have missed the point, as indeed Israel frequently missed the point.
Secondly the judgement is personal. It is God who sets His face against them. We find it difficult to come to terms with the fact that God judges people, and try and find "nice" ways around this concept. We have to face up to the fact that God does judge people.
Thirdly, the purpose of it all was to try and bring the people to their senses and turn back to Him. This is expressed most clearly in the final few verses (verse 40 onwards). God does not reject them completely. We can apply this to our own lives if we have fallen away, if we will repent and turn again to the Lord He will accept us. We can also apply it to Israel. Israel was rejected, but not completely. There will come a day when they turn again to the Lord, and that day will be a day of great joy, both in heaven and on earth.
No comments:
Post a Comment