The Pulpit Commentary — Lamentations — Section 78

_iu<lgment. Moreover, if this is the case, inasmuch ns the individuals profit by tho corpomte life and prosperity, this treatment by families and cities e.nd nations ma.:, turn out in the long run to be the best for the separate persons. Ver. 19.-Consolation in th£ supremacy of God. The Divine eupt'emacy ls often regarded as a topic of dread rather than as one of comfort. The awful throne towers above poor humanity, sublime and majestic, and men turn from it to seek refuge at the bumbler footstool of mercy. Dut the writer of this elegy finds deep satisfaction in contemplating the supreme and eternal government of God. l. THERE IS CONSOLATION IN THE FACT THAT GoD IS ENTHRONED, Above the t.u_mu_lt, ~hove ~he darkness, stan_ds t~1e th~one of God.. ~d is King over all, not only reigning m rnaJesty, but also ruling m might. 1. Evil is not supreme. It rears its head in boasts and threats. It dwells in high 11laces. But it does not reach to the highest. 2. Evil is under government. Not only is it not supreme, but in the lower domain where it seems to rove at will it is not really free. It is chained, checked, and overrulc_d. . The kingdom of God ex~ends over t~e rebellious haunts of iniquity. 3. Justice is above all. Wrong must give place to nghteousness. Law must triumph over disorder. The fair order that is the image of God's equitable and righteous will is ultimately to supersede the hideous confusion of man's lawlessness. Even now God is reigning a.nd working through the chaos to the development of life a.nd beauty. 4. Goodness wntrols everything. He who is enthroned supreme is our Father, the kind a.nd merciful God. His rule must reflect his character. For such a Lord to be supreme is for all the law and government of his kingdom to be inspired with love. II. THERE IS CONSOLATION IN THE FACT THAT GoD's THRONE IS ETERNAL. The eternal is always of first moment. Whatever be the force, or size, or character of any temporal thing, its transitoriness makes it as an unsubstantial dream compared with the solid endurance of what is eternal. God's eternal throne renders the petty thrones of eril, so hastily set up and so swiftly cast down, like mere passing shadows. 1. Nothing can overthrow tM throne of God. We see good causes frustrated, good men crushed and bad powers apparently victorious; but they cannot take the citadel. The throne above looks down upon their petty victories with scorn. 2. Goodness will outlive evil. The temporary phase of darkuess cannot endure like the everlasting kingdom of light. Generation after generation comes and goes; still the grand old throne stands above all, immovable. In one age, wild dreams of new religions possess the minds of men. In another, lethargy and degeneration of character a.re prevalent. But all these shadows pass, and the throne still abides. Like the rock about which the surf fumes and frets, the throne of God dwells firm and calm in the midst of all earthly changes. 3. Evil will be made to work for good. The everlasting throne will draw all transitory things into subjection to itself. We can endure our passing troubles if we are children of God a.nd citizens of the kingdom of heaven, because these very troubles must do the will of our gracious Lord. Ver. 20.-Q11,estioning God. I. IT IB NATURAL THAT WE SHOULD WISH TO KNOW THE PURPOSE OF GoD'B DEALINGS WITH us. There is no subject for inquiry that touches us more nearly or that affects us in such important matters. God's treatment of us concerns our highest welfare for time and eternity. It is in all the experience of life-our many blessings, our varied trials, our greatest prosperity, and our heaviest trouble. Surely it is natural tha.t we should ask whither a.re all these waves driving us, and why do they sometimes beat so strangely and severely. II. THERE 1B MUCH IN GOD'S DEALINGS WITH US TlIAT WE CANNOT UNDERSTAND, It seems that he has forgotten us when we a.re permitted to fall into great a.nd lasting trouble. Short, sharp affliction may be faced. But long-enduring distress wears out hope and faith, and makes it appear more and more as though the lonely sufferer had been deserted by God. The purpose of this is not easy to discover. The whole dispensation is just inexplicable. III. THE RIGHT WAY TO DISCOVER THE PURPOSE OF GOD'S DEALINGS WITH US IS TO ASK HI.Id. We often discuss vainly when we have no data to start with. But specu- lation is sure to fail if it goes beyond all evidence and clear reason. Prayer is the one safe resource. It would be well if we had enough faith in God to confide our doubts to OJI. V, 1-22.] THE LAMENTATIONS OF JEREMfAfI. f(j