the Third Week after Easter
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Daily Devotionals
Our Daily Homily - Volume 1
Judges 10:16—His soul was grieved for the misery of Israel.
This is a very strong way of stating the pitifulness of God. It is applying to Him terms borrowed from our own experiences as men; and in no other way could we realize the tender love and compassion of our Heavenly Father. Israel’s miseries were due to the sins with which their history was marked; but God’s love brooded over them, longing to deliver.
This is the explanation of God’s first words to Adam.—One of the versions substitutes for "Where art thou?" the words "Alas for thee!" as though God were treading the glades of Eden with a broken heart, grieved for the misery of his children.
This was the lament of God’s Spirit throughout the Old Testament.—"How shall I give thee up, Ephraim? Mine heart is turned within me; my compassions are kindled together." "O Israel, thou hast destroyed thyself!"
This led to the Incarnation and Passion of our Lord.—He looked, and there was no man; He wondered that there was none to help, therefore his own arm brought salvation.
This characterized our Lord’s earthly life.—When He beheld the city, and foresaw all the evil that would accrue to it, He could not hold back his tears. "His soul was grieved." In all likelihood, you, my reader, may be suffering keenly the result of your own mistakes and sins in earlier life. The troubles that hem you in are the direct outcome of your having forsaken God. He could, and would, have saved you; but you made it impossible, because you withdrew yourself from his care. And now He grieves over you. If only you would forsake your sins and turn to Him, He would assuredly raise up a Jephthah for your help.
