J.A. Matteson
Sin hardens the heart to righteousness, distorting the word of deliverance as evil, impugning the motives of ambassadors of peace, resulting in self destruction. "When Jeremiah finished speaking all that the LORD had commanded him to speak to all the people, the priests and the prophets and all the people seized him, saying, 'You must die!'" (Jer. 26:8). The LORD disciplines His people when they persist on the path of sin. Long-suffering and merciful His correction is always redemptive. His jealous love for His people recoils when their hearts are drawn to another as a husband's wrath is stirred toward a wayward wife. Blessed are tender hearts who receive the word of correction with humility and gladness. For theirs is the kingdom and inheritance dedicated to the saints for time and eternity. Stumble they may, but the grace of the LORD is able to make them stand, and stand they will, to His praise and glory.
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