How does Lamentations 3:38 affirm God's sovereignty over both good and calamity? Verse in Focus “Do not both adversity and good come from the mouth of the Most High?” (Lamentations 3:38) Where This Fits in Lamentations 3 • Jeremiah laments national ruin yet shifts to hope in God’s steadfast love (vv. 21-24). • In vv. 31-39 he affirms God’s righteous purposes even in judgment. • Verse 38 crystallizes the confession: every event—pleasant or painful—issues from God’s sovereign decree. Sovereign Source of Every Outcome • “From the mouth of the Most High” points to God’s authoritative command; nothing is random. • Scripture echoes this truth: – Isaiah 45:7: “I form light and create darkness; I bring prosperity and create calamity; I, the LORD, do all these things.” – Amos 3:6: “If calamity occurs in a city, has not the LORD done it?” – Job 2:10: “Shall we accept from God only good and not adversity?” • Good (blessing) and adversity (calamity) lie under one sovereign will; dualism is rejected. Purposes Behind Calamity • Discipline: Hebrews 12:6-11—loving correction produces holiness. • Justice: Deuteronomy 32:4—His ways are perfect; judgment upholds righteousness. • Mercy: Calamity can awaken repentance (2 Chronicles 7:13-14). • Glory: Romans 9:22-23—His power and mercy are displayed through both wrath and compassion. Comfort for the Faithful • Assurance that suffering is neither accidental nor meaningless. • Confidence that “God causes all things to work together for good” (Romans 8:28). • Hope anchored in Christ, who bore ultimate calamity (Isaiah 53:5) so believers inherit eternal good (2 Corinthians 4:17). Living in Light of God’s Sovereignty • Submit willingly: “Humble yourselves under God’s mighty hand” (1 Peter 5:6). • Trust fully: “He works out everything according to the counsel of His will” (Ephesians 1:11). • Persevere expectantly: trials refine faith “more precious than gold” (1 Peter 1:6-7). |
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