DCLM Higher Everyday 19 December 2023 — From Grace To Grass
Topic: From Grace To Grass
Text: Lamentation 4:1-5
1How is the gold become dim! how is the most fine gold changed! the stones of the sanctuary are poured out in the top of every street.
2The precious sons of Zion, comparable to fine gold, how are they esteemed as earthen pitchers, the work of the hands of the potter!
4The tongue of the sucking child cleaveth to the roof of his mouth for thirst: the young children ask bread, and no man breaketh it unto them.
5They that did feed delicately are desolate in the streets: they that were brought up in scarlet embrace dunghills.
Key Verse: “The precious sons of Zion, comparable to fine gold, how are they esteemed as earthen pitchers, the work of the hands of the potter” (Lamentations 4:2)!
Message
To fall from grace to grass is a metaphorical term used to describe the state of someone who experienced a decline in status, prestige or favour. It means a downward drift from a state of affluence, comfort and privilege to a decadent and deplorable state. It describes a state of backsliding and declension. Lucifer was the first casualty of such a decline. He descended from a burning and shining Cherub to a most abhorrent fiend. He was banished from the stones of fire to the regions of darkness. It is also exemplified by the precious sons of Zion described in our text. A people as illustrious and highly esteemed as fine gold were eventually degraded to earthen vessels! They lost their value through sin and compromise.
A believer is precious in the sight of God. He is a jewel of the Almighty and regarded as the apple of God’s eye. But when the child of God permits and condones sin in his life, he becomes contaminated and polluted. And if he does not repent, he loses privileges and heaven. He falls from grace to grass.
Quote: Lucifer was the first casualty
Challenge: Sin leads to loss of favour and patronage
Prayer for today: Oh God, help me to retain my position in Christ.
1. Admit that you are a sinner. "For all [humans] have sinned, and comes short of the glory of God....[and] the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 3:23)
2. Repent now. "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out ...[for] if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness " (Acts 3:19, 1 John 1:9)
3. Believe that God loves you and Jesus died for you. "God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet Sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8)
4. Invite Jesus into your life through prayer of faith. Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20)
