Jeremiah 48:1 – Lamentations 1:22
Overview
Today we finish reading Jeremiah and begin reading Lamentations. Jerusalem has been captured by the Babylonians and thousands have been killed. Sadly enough, only about 4,600 people from Judah were carried away into exile by King Nebuchadnezzar’s army. Moving into the book of Lamentations, we also move into the time of exile. It is a series of poems that speak about the conditions that people were experiencing in captivity. The writer reminds us that the carefree sin that the Israelites conducted comes at a cost. The pain, suffering and helplessness that are expressed in these poems is very moving.
Scripture Lamentations 1:8
8 Jerusalem has sinned greatly and so has become unclean. All who honored her despise her, for they have seen her nakedness; she herself groans and turns away.
Observation
This has to be the lowest point in the life of Israel. God says that they have “greatly sinned”. They didn’t hide their sin and it was detestable to Him. They have sinned against a Holy God and their sin offerings are no longer acceptable to God. At one point, Israel was the favored nation by God and every other nation new this. They were blessed, protected and had peace. Other nations feared them and honored them. Now that they have turned their backs on the Lord, their shame and emptiness are visible to everyone. Nations mock them and have nothing good to say. They speak of Israel and Judah as failures. They are alone and realize the grave sin they have committed.
Application
God doesn’t want us to fall away from Him. When we do, God may use circumstances in draw us back to Him. There is nothing sweeter than being in the arms of God’s love and grace. Fellowship with Him is sweet. There is nothing worse than being far away from God. When we fall away from Him, we miss that close fellowship with the Father. He desires for us to draw close to Him. Don’t let sin keep us from the joy and peace that God gives. 1 John 1:9 says “if we confess our sin, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sin and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” We should confess and turn from our sin and run to God.
Prayer
Lord keep me close to you. Help me to not go astray. Thank you for your Holy Spirit that lives in me and seals me in your arms.
