The Heart Cry of God
When you sin, what you believe God thinks about you transforms or destroys you.
“My heart cries out for Moab; His fugitives are [fleeing] as far as Zoar and Eglath-shelishiyah. For they go up the ascent of Luhith weeping; For on the road to Horonaim they raise a cry of distress over their destruction. [Jer 48:5]” Isaiah 15:5 AMP
The nation of Moab traces its roots back to an act of sin: an incestuous act between Lot and his eldest daughter after the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:30-37). From this sinful union, Moab, the Forefather of the Moabites, birthed rebellion and idolatry as he led the nation to oppose Israel and disobey God frequently.
Isaiah 15:5 unashamedly emphasizes God’s compassion even in judgment. Despite Moab’s sinful legacy and continued rebellion, God’s heart “cries out” for them as they face destruction. This reveals an important truth to me (also that I have personally experienced): sin often begets more sin, leading to short-term pleasure with devastating consequences—but God’s compassion remains. This echoes passages like Ezekiel 33:11, where He says, “I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live.”
I remember one of the last spankings I ever received. I was thirteen—a teenager with practically a full beard already. It was an awkward moment, especially because it came from a father figure, not my biological dad. I couldn’t cry because it just didn’t hurt. After the awkward swats that barely marked my upper thighs, he hugged me and said, “I love you,” seeming to exude sadness over the whole ordeal.
This is, in a way, a humorous picture of God. Parents are never truly happy about the consequences of their children’s wrong choices (at least, they shouldn’t be). Multiply this sentiment a thousandfold, and you begin to microscopic glimpse the heart of God.
So, where does today leave you and me?
Never Finished Challenge
For believers: Are you mourning for your sin and the sin of others? Or are you hard-hearted and bitter, saying things like, “They deserve it,” or, “I’ll just change tomorrow”?
Pray and mourn for your own sin; organically, it will encourage you to pray and weep for the sin of those around you and in the world.
For those waiting to believe: Don’t wait. Sin may bring short-term pleasure, but it will always have long-term consequences. God already loves you and longs to be in a relationship with you. You’ll experience transformation and discipline with Him as He lovingly helps you turn away from sinful habits. Through Christ, you gain forgiveness and a new identity—redeemed, adopted as a child of God, and clothed in the righteousness of Jesus. Because of this new identity, the love and compassion of God will guard, guide, and strengthen your steps.
For your pocket: God’s Compassion Leads to Purpose-filled Mission.
What does today say about God
Psalm 103:12 says, “As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.” (NIV) I know of no greater compassion and love than His love for me and the love shown through Jesus Christ. Thank you, Jesus!