“I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning himself thus; thou hast chastised me, and I was chastised…turn thou me, and I shall be turned; for thou art the LORD my God” (Jeremiah 31.18.)
Introduction. Jehovah is not like that made up god, Jove, who sits way off, disinterested in lowly creatures. “Though the Lord be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly.” The Lord still hears his Ephraims bemoaning themselves, and sends them the mercy they cry up for. Mourner, your sigh is known to God as soon as you have heaved it. God knows how to interpret your grief and tears.
(1) A Sinner Bemoaning Himself. The word ‘bemoan’ reminds us of the mourning of doves. Here is one affected in his heart by grace, awakened in his conscience, quickened in his soul. He is in pain, anguish, fear, restlessness, etc. He is bowed down with a peculiar grief. He is not mourning over a death, bodily pain, or poverty. He is bemoaning himself because he has been convicted of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment. It is a bitter sorrow, yet sweet too, because of the blessed results. This godly sorrow is well-founded. “I am lost! lost! lost! O that God would have mercy for me!” is his cry. It is a humble sorrow. He is not flattering nor excusing himself, but bemoaning himself, owning up to his sins. It is a thoughtful sorrow. Ephraim recalls all the times he was chastised to no good effect. The bemoaning is hopeless and yet hopeful. He hopes in a change from God, for he is hopeless to change himself. So he prays, “Turn me, and I shall be turned.” Some of you are dashing down the hill of sin. But the Almighty can tame the wildest horse.
(2) The LORD Observing Him. God heard and understood all that Ephraim said, and was moved by it, for he answers, “I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning himself.” Whether in your bedroom or on a crowded street, God hears your cry more surely than a mother hears her sick little Jane.
(3) The LORD Working in his Effectual Grace. The only turning in the world that is saving and divine is the turning of the heart. A change of notions is not conversion. And a change of church does not change a person any more than a different cage changes a bird. That is a great thing if a thief becomes honest, or a drunk sober. But “ye must be born again.” The renewing of the inward nature by a work of grace in the soul, that is what is needed. How is this done? First, a man must be stopped. A distinct sight of wrath to come stops a man. This is exactly how it happened when God turned me. Next, the awakened conscience is led to see the real nature of sin. Men, before God quickens them, nurse the viper of sin in their bosom, and say, “How nice it is to look at.” But when it bites them, and the hot poison runs in their veins, and the conscience is woken up, then they hate it and try to cast it away. The grand turning-point, though, is at a sight of Christ on the cross. If you ever, by the eye of faith, see Jesus Christ dying for you, sin will never be sweet to you again. We play with sin till we are told it was sin that killed the Lord Jesus, who died out of love to us. Ah! Down with our sins that did such a bloody deed! Further, the sinner is turned by God manifesting his everlasting love to him. If you did know that your worthless name is written on the hands of Christ, would that not affect you? Finally, if you could know and feel the glory of the inheritance to come, this would turn you for sure.
Selection from Conclusion. “Are you bemoaning yourself? Do you desire to be turned?…Then do not put it off, but this moment pray the silent prayer, ‘Turn me, O Lord, and I shall be turned.’…Oh, that some great sinners might be saved, for they always make the best saints!…Ye great sinners, may great mercy meet with you!…Trust Jesus, and you shall be saved.”
