IS IT NOTHING TO YOU, AS YE PASS BY?
Lamentations 1:12
Introduction:
Jerusalem, sitting dejected on the ground, calls on those that passed by, to consider whether her example did not concern them. Her outward sufferings were great, but her inward sufferings were harder to bear, through the sense of guilt. Sorrow for sin must be great sorrow, and must affect the soul. Here we see the evil of sin, and may take warning to flee from the wrath to come. Whatever may be learned from the sufferings of Jerusalem, far more may be learned from the sufferings of Christ. Does he not from the cross speak to every one of us? Does he not say, Is it nothing to you, all ye that pass by? Let all our sorrows lead us to the cross of Christ, lead us to mark his example, and cheerfully to follow him.
#1 As you pass by the Church House
You can hear the songs of Zion being sung and you just continue to pass by.
They were singing: “Victory in Jesus” – “I’m Redeemed” – “Amazing Grace” – “I’ll Fly Away”.
The songs that were penned down just for the hearts of the Saints, to be move our hearts, songs that were the very beginning of your crumbling heart, to hear from the voice of
God himself.
With out these songs, would our hearts have been moved, or our hearts broken by the words of God found in them.
Exodus 15:1
Then sang Moses and the Children of Israel this song unto the Lord, and spake saying… I will sing unto the Lord, for He hath triumphed gloriously.
Revelations 5:9
And they sang a new song, saying, though are worthy to take the book and open the seal thereof, for thou were slain, and has redeemed us to God, by the blood of every kindred, tongue, people, and nation.
Songs like—“The Cross made a difference for Me”, “My God is Real”
Psalm 100:1-2 Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands serve the Lord with gladness, come before his presence with singing.
It is mention in Psalm 146-150 – 44 times it is mentioned to “Praise the Lord”
#2 As you pass by the Cross…
In Christian times the Cross, from being in itself the most vile and repulsive of objects, it became in the minds of believers the symbol of all that is holy and precious.
Galatians 3:13
Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written: cursed is everyman that hangeth on a tree.
~The Unger’s Bible Dictionary calls the cross “a well known heathen sign”
Colossians 2:14
Blotting out the hand writing of ordinances that was against us: which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing to the cross.
~ blotting out means: to wipe away or obliterate
~ nailing it to the cross annulled the curse – figuratively it means he killed the killer
1 Corinthians 1:17
For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross should be made of none effect.
#3 As you pass by the Blood…
~ The Webster’s dictionary says: the blood is the life source of the body.
Christ gave His life source that we would have eternal life.
Romans 5:8-9
But God commendth his love towards us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more than, being now justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath through Him.
Hebrews 9:22
And almost all things are by the law purged with blood, and without shedding of blood is no remission.
Ephesians 1:7
In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.
~ Which gives us redemption!
Ephesians 2:13
But now in Jesus Christ ye who were sometimes far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
It has brought us to a closer relationship with Him.
Colossians 1:14
In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins.
Closing
Pastor Stepp
12/2/07
