“The Lord is in the right, for I have rebelled against His word.”
– Lamentations 1:18
The verse actually continues on from here, but I want to stop there and just let that soak in. The Lord is in the right, for I have rebelled against his word. This whole book, the book of Lamentations, is a lament over what has happened in Jerusalem over the judgment and discipline of God, upon His people, for their rebellion. In light of all that happens, the Babylonians overtake Jerusalem and take the people into exile, the conclusion is the Lord is in the right, for I have rebelled against his word.
Lamentations 1:18 Affirms God’s Righteousness
This verse is a clear affirmation of the righteousness and the justice of God, the holiness of God, in showing judgment toward those who rebel against his word. This is so important because we are so prone to question the justice of God. God, how can you be just, or loving, or good, and this or that happened in our lives, or this or that happened in the world?
The Bible, over and over and over again, makes clear that in the end, we will all see the justice of God, the goodness of God, and the rightness, the righteousness of God in a world where we have all rebelled against him, and praise God for the gospel in the end, for all who trust in his grace and his mercy through Jesus, we will all stand totally forgiven for all of our rebellion and we will experience eternity under the goodness, and holiness, and the righteousness of God’s hand.
Lamentations 1:18 Praises Us for Your Justice
Oh God, we praise you for your justice, and your holiness, and your righteousness. We pray for our hearts of humility before you, never presuming that we know justice better than you do. God, we look forward to the day when all injustice will ultimately answer to you and your justice will ultimately, and finally, and fully reign on the earth. Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly.
Bring that about, we pray. Where all of heaven and earth will conclude the Lord is in the right. We say that together now then. We trust in your righteousness, and your justice, and your holiness. Lord, we pray that you would help us to live, not in rebellion against your word, but in obedience to your word.
Help Us Today Not to Rebel Against Your Word
God, help us today not to rebel against your word. Help each of us to follow your word fully in our lives and not hold back in obeying every part of your word. God, please keep us from hearts of rebellion against your word and rebellion against your righteousness. God, please help us to live today as a reflection of your righteousness, doing justice, loving mercy, and walking humbly with you. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
David Platt serves as a Lead Pastor for McLean Bible Church. He is also the Founder of Radical, an organization that makes Jesus known among the nations.
David received his B.A. from the University of Georgia and M.Div., Th.M., and Ph.D. from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Some of his published works include Radical, Radical Together, Follow Me, Counter Culture, Something Needs to Change, Don’t Hold Back, and How to Read the Bible.
He lives in the Washington, D.C. metro area with his wife and children.
