1. _Severe._ It seemed hard to be driven from their beautiful city to
a foreign land, possibly to be absorbed in its population or held in
slavery. Nor had they the consolation of knowing that they had not
brought it on themselves. God knows how to regulate the severity of
suffering according to all the facts that must be taken into account,
and all the ends that are to be served. However severe our
sufferings, we are compelled to admit that they are always less than
we deserve. But if His strokes are to be felt, they must sometimes be
severe.
2. _Punitive._ God punished Jacob for his sin; but He did not cast
him off. His disapprobation of sin had been shown in words; now it
must be shown by punishment (Hos. xii. 2). The sufferings of God's
people are sometimes trials of faith. But they are often punishments.
When a parent inflicts punishment, does he mean that he has disowned
his child? Does it not spring from and prove the relation between
them? God punishes as a father: and because He is a father. But this
is different from allowing the penal consequences of sin to fall
fully on them. That would be disownment, perdition. He fulfils His
word (Ps. lxxxix. 30-37. H. E. I., 56-59, 66-70).
3. _Corrective._ "Purged; and this is all the fruit, to take away his
sin." No man's suffering can atone for his sin. That comes another
way. The Divine One has atoned. Here repentance, reformation is
contemplated. As when the husbandman prosecutes his labours he aims
to produce the fruit, so God's design in His people's troubles is to
take away their sin. A rough method; but necessary. The wild storm
damages but purifies. The vine-dresser cuts off branches that the
tree may bear more fruit. The sharp frosts of affliction kill the
weeds of sin. The medicine is distasteful, but it attacks and
dislodges the disease.
But have afflictions invariably this effect? No. Sometimes received
in a rebellious spirit; God not recognised in them; thoughtfulness
not encouraged; the heart is hardened; comfort is sought from
pernicious sources; the soul is driven further from God and deeper
into sin.
But when trouble is sanctified--(1.) _It suggests serious
thoughtfulness._ How has it come? From God? Why? Sin. Our moral
instincts point to retribution. Perhaps some particular sin. May be
an immediate connection of the punishment--with intemperance for
instance, or fraudulent business transactions. There will be
self-examination. God, responsibility, eternity will be realised.
(2.) _It produces self-humiliation._ Confession of sin. Penitential
cry for mercy at the cross. Renewed self-dedication. (3.) _It
reawakens spiritual life._ It is a reason for the reception of fresh
impetus. New earnestness in the culture of holiness; new watchfulness
against evil. Like a child corrected.
Then if troubles surround you--(1.) Be conscious of God's hand. Look
beyond the secondary causes. (2.) Justify God in His dealing. (3.) Be
patient; wait His time. (4.) Study His design in sending the trouble.
And unite with Him for the accomplishment of that design (H. E. I.,
143-154).--_J. Rawlinson._