“Woe to the bloody city! It is all full of lies and robbery. Its victim never departs. The noise of a whip and the noise of rattling wheels, or galloping horses, of clattering chariots... Behold, I am against you, says the Lord of hosts; I will lift your skirts over your face, I will show the nations your nakedness, and the kingdoms your shame.” (vs1-5)
This text deals with the sure and impending wrath of God against all ungodliness and sin, “for the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness” (Rom 1:18). We MUST flee to Christ and obtain mercy, taking the promises by faith. Or, we must be utterly destroyed in the End.
1. You are not as strong as you think you are (vs8-13). “Are you better than No Amon (ancient capital of Egypt, a nation God humbled and broke) that was situated by the River, that had the waters around her, whose rampart was the sea, whose wall was the sea... Yet she was carried away, she went into captivity; her young children also were dashed to pieces at the head of every street... You also will be drunk; you will be hidden; you also will seek refuge from the enemy... the gates of your land are wide open for your enemies; fire shall devour the bars of your gates”. You will be EASILY defeated by God, so run to Christ and make your election sure. Believe Him, as a sinner, worthy of wrath, to have loved you so much, that He predestined Christ to atone your sins, and He now promises to give you obedience and heaven’s eventual bliss. Eph 3:17, says, “that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith”, that you may believe the riches of His love and be empowered thereby. Don't think to fight in unbelief, squandering your soul forever.
2. You can make every other preparation, but it will fail (vs14-18). “Draw your water for the siege! Fortify your strongholds! Go into the clay and tread the mortar! Make strong the brick kiln! There the fire will devour you, the sword will cut you off; it will eat you up like a locust”. Who are YOU to fight God? Take mercy. Be one that He chose, died to save, and one that He forgives and gives the power of holiness onto. We read, “Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree’), that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith” (Gal 3:13-14). Believe rather than be destroyed.
3. You are defeated, utterly, and you shall never triumph over Judgment (vs19). “Your injury has no healing, your wound is severe”. You can be saved, graciously. But, if you rebel and refuse mercy, then you will be utterly destroyed, mercilessly, and you’ll pay forever in hell.
Finally, this is because of your wickedness (vs19). “For upon whom has not your wickedness passed continually?” You have done evil, and so Judgment must punish you. God would be unjust to do differently. Therefore, which side will you choose? Will you say, “I am right to be punished” and flee to mercy, or do you say, “I will not be punished”, fight God, and run into wrath?
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