The holiness of God is clearly seen in this text. The sins of Israel: pride, haughtiness, unbelief, lust, adultery, are hideous in His sight. An abomination to the Lord.
In the context of the Babylonian exile, as a result of sin, there is darkness, gloom, pains like women in childbirth, shame, exile, and destruction! Even the prophet Jeremiah mentioned sobbing and weeping bitterly, and was crying out, “Woe to you, Jerusalem!”.
This is a warning, not just for Israel, but for both unbelievers and believers of all ages. What misery it will be for those who are not in Christ Jesus. And for us believers, sin is destructive! Let us beware of our remaining and indwelling sin.
We also read in this text a verse that we usually hear.
“Can the Ethiopian change his skin,
– Jeremiah 15:23
Or the leopard his spots?
Then you as well can do good
Who are accustomed to doing evil.”
Man is indeed naturally evil. Man is born in sin. This is a rhetorical question with a resounding “No” as an answer. It is impossible — impossible to change ourselves we who are accustomed to do evil. It is impossible with man. But with God, it is possible.
We do not have the ability in us to change who we are to be pleasing in God’s sight. We need something outside of us. We need a Savior. We need the blood and righteousness of Christ who alone is our hope. Through His death, we can now be reconciled to God and escape the destruction that we deserve.
Brethren, from start until the end, Christ is our only hope.
To our friends, it is written in v. 15 “Listen and pay attention, do not be haughty; For the Lord has spoken.”. This is a glimpse of hope for all of you amidst the dark picture of the judgment that is to come. This is a call for repentance and faith. Do it now before it’s too late.
To God be the glory!
HERALD OF GRACE COVENANT BIBLE CHURCH OF CAVITE 