When I read the indictments against nations and peoples in the Old Testament it is easy to say how “yeah, those guys had it coming”, or “What is their problem?” Instead, I try to read all indictments as a warning of the consequences of sin. Like my sin. Like your sin. The Bible is a continuous reminder of grace, of choices and ramifications of our selfishness, rebellion and disobedience, His forgiveness and our sin.
In this verse the truth is very apparent. Essentially, whatever it is, we did it to ourselves. We are the cause of our calamities, big and small. Because God is omniscient, He doesn’t leave room for blame letting or excuses. My grandpas used to say that people got their “up and comings” which referred to how we get what is coming to us, eventually. The verse refers to the bitterness, like the bitter pill of owning our responsibilities. We tend to avoid our conscience and consequences at all costs. The guilt and shame pierce the heart. When finally we admit our culpability and take the pill, face the consequences. Until we do we are stuck floating aimlessly down that river in Egypt. Yeah you know the one, “De nile”. Let’s “fess up” so we can grow up and move on.
By His Grace,
Pastor Fred
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