Jeremiah 31:18-21 I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning himself thus; You have chastised me, and I was chastised, as a bullock unaccustomed to the yoke… I. A SINNER BEMOANING HIMSELF. 1. Bowed down with a peculiar grief. Inward sorrow. True repentance. 2. Well-founded sorrow. Over guilt, outrage on God's goodness and grace. 3. Humble sorrow. Not excusing or flattering himself, or making new resolutions; but "bemoaning." 4. A thoughtful sorrow. 5. A hopeless yet a hopeful sorrow. II. THE LORD OBSERVING HIM. 1. God heard all Ephraim had to say. It may be but a stammering cry. Broken prayers are the best. 2. God delights in the broken and contrite spirit. 3. God is full of compassion. III. THE LORD WORKING IN HIS EFFECTUAL GRACE. 1. The only turning in the world that is saving and Divine, is the turning of the heart. 2. The Lord's way of turning men varies in each case. (1) A distinct sight of wrath to come stops a sinner. (2) Or the awakened conscience is led to see the real nature of sin. (3) The grand turning-point is the sight of Christ on the Cross. (4) One of the most blessed ways by which God makes a sinner turn is, He manifests His everlasting love to him. ( C. H. Spurgeon.) Parallel Verses KJV: I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning himself thus; Thou hast chastised me, and I was chastised, as a bullock unaccustomed to the yoke: turn thou me, and I shall be turned; for thou art the LORD my God. |
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