273. LAM 3:39. ADDRESS TO COMPLAINERS

Lam_3:39. Address to Complainers

"Wherefore doth a living man complain, a man for the punishment of his sins?"’97Lam_3:39.

One of the most affecting and pathetic books in the world is the Lamentations of Jeremiah. It was written by the weeping prophet on the occasion of the destruction of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar. Never was a more striking exhibition of hallowed patriotism than that which is breathed here. Here, too, we have placed before us the effects of genuine piety. For, while the prophet laments and mourns over his country, he discerns the cause of all her sorrows. He attributes all to sin, chap.Lam_1:8. And, throughout this mournful episode, God is vindicated, and contrition, penitence, and repentance are urged as the only remedy for the afflicted sufferers Doubtless, in the general calamity, many complaints were uttered, and to these the text is directed, "Wherefore," &c.

Let us consider,

I. The Nature,

II. The Evil,

And,

III. The Remedy for sinful Complaints.

I. The Nature of sinful Complaints.

It is obvious that all sorts of complaints are not sinful. Hence, God allows us to pour out complaints before him in fervent prayer. See Psa_142:2, &c. Thus, too, did Jesus utter that affecting complaint upon the cross, "My God, my God, why," &c. And all who know their own hearts will often find great reason to complain of themselves. See Paul’s complaint, caused by the severe conflict between the flesh and the Spirit. Rom_7:8-25. But the complaints referred to in the text are com plaints of God, arising from dissatisfaction with his dispensations.

Hence among these are,

1. Complaints as to our situation in life.

Not satisfied with our lot. Would be richer; have a different portion, &c. Not content with the bounties of Providence.

2. Complaints as to providential visitations.

Disappointments in business, blighted prospects, loss of friends, seasons of affliction, &c.

3. Complaints as to spiritual sorrows.

Many are the afflictions of the righteous &c. But some have to drink deeper, &c. Some are tempted above others. Hence conflicts and trials more than others.

4. Disappointed prayers and expectations.

David, for his child; Paul, for the removal of the thorn, &c.; Jesus, the removal of the cup. God does not always see it well to answer our prayers.

II. The Evil of such Complaints.

1. It is a sin against reason.

Who so fit to manage for us as God? Shall the child complain against the pa rent? The creature against the Creator? God sees all, knows all, and can do all things. If infinite knowledge is insufficient, what can ignorance effect? If almighty power is inadequate, what can abstract weakness perform? Reason says, the God alone is sufficient for these things.

2. It is a sin against goodness.

What is that which has been identified with our history, more than any thing else? The goodness of God I appeal to life’s commencement; infancy, youth, every year, and day, and moment, if God’s goodness has not been richly bestowed? Then how ungrateful to complain! What a return for the bounties of heaven!

3. It is a sin against divine faithfulness and truth.

Now God’s declarations run thus, that "he will withhold no good thing from them that walk uprightly." "My God shall supply all your need," &c. "They that seek the Lord, shall not want any good thing," Psa_34:10. And, finally, that comprehensive, rich declaration, "A!l things shall work together for good,"&c. Now to complain is the essence of unbelief, the essence of distrust.

4. It is a sin especially against divine condescension and abounding mercy.

A man, who is but as a worm, to complain against the high and lofty One, encircled in celestial light and glory, when it is infinite condescension for Him to care at all for us. A sinful man to complain, a guilty, condemned rebel to murmur! A living sinful man! Why life is an incomprehensibly great and precious blessing. Men, whose desert is death, death’97eternal, to complain! Many on the verge of the eternal world, would have given a kingdom for a day of life. "It is of the Lord’s mercies," &c.

5. It is a sin fraught with evil consequences to ourselves.

It must incur God’s righteous displeasure. See the fire of the Lord consuming the Israelites in the camp. Num_11:1. And for what? They complained against the Lord. See, also, Jdg_1:16. It deprives of all the enjoyment of divine goodness. It embitters every thing, deranges all the powers of the mind. Hardens the heart. Converts honey into gall, &c. Utterly annihilates the peace of the soul. Totally unfits for heaven. A complainer cannot enter. A complainer could not enjoy it.

Notice,

III. The Remedy for sinful Complaints.

1. Look within yourselves.

See your utter unworthiness. Be conscious that you deserve nothing. No right, no claim. All, all is of mercy.

2. Look abroad.

You are poor; others are destitute, naked, starving. You are afflicted, but how lightly! See that cripple, who has never walked for years; that bedridden person, who has never breathed the open air for years; that person who is in torture, in agony, has not had a moment’s ease for days. That maniac, deranged and degraded. You cannot stir abroad, without having cause to exclaim, "Bless the Lord, O my soul," &c.

3. Look back.

Many things have displeased and annoyed you; but what showers of blessings, what loads of favors, what incalculable blessings! You ought to be asking. "What shall we render," &c.

4. Look beneath.

Think of the abyss of wo, with its multitude of lost and hopeless spirits. Hear the groans, the despairing sighs, the fruitless prayers, and then can you complain?

5. Look onwards.

The voyage of life will soon be over Wilderness crossed, &c. Journey ended, &c.

6. Look above.

Heaven in sight. Heaven purchased and prepared for you. Heaven offered at the end of the course. The Father smiling, the Son pleading, angels ministering the glory beaming. And then will you complain? "Wherefore should," &c.

Application

1. Let us cultivate a spirit of devout and constant praise. "I will bless the Lord so long as I live," &c.

2. Seek the renewing grace of God daily. This must make us contented and happy. Old heart will rebel and complain.

3. Be passive in your heavenly Father’s hands. Commit all to him, as into the hands of a faithful Creator.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS