Today’s Reading:
Lamentation 2:1-22 (v. 19)
“Arise, cry out in the night: in the beginning of the watches pour out thine heart like water before the face of the Lord: Lift up thy hands toward him for the life Of thy young children, that faint for hunger in the top of every street.” (v. 19 KJV)
The Lord’s Anger on His chosen and beloved people.
The fall of Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden brought about man’s fallen nature (Gen. 3:21-24). Thank God for Jesus’s finished work on the cross at Calvary that brought Salvation to man and has reconciled us with God. Still, our sinful nature is with us as long as we have breath in us. Paul said that “For the good that I will to do, I do not do, but the evil I will not to do, that I practice. …” (Romans 7: 19-25). Unless we surrender our entirety to the lordship of our Lord Jesus Christ, and He in turn gives us His Holy Spirit; we, on our own are not able to put our sinful nature under control. Our text today, gives a picture of the ruins of the city of Jerusalem after the Babylonian invasion - destruction of the walls, the palaces and the magnificent temple built by King Solomon. In His anger, the Lord cast a dark shadow over beautiful Jerusalem, the once fairest of the cities of Israel. The homes, the fortress, beautiful walls became a dishonour to the kingdom and its rulers. They were thrown down from the heights of heaven, and they lie in the dust. The Lord did not spare even His temple, He destroyed the temple which once represented God’s presence among His people (1Kings 8:1-11). It was the central place of worship and many could not believe it could be destroyed. But its destruction shows God’s rejection of His people, He no longer lives amongst them. The memories of the Sabbat days and holy festivals were erased. Kings and priests alike fell in the Lord’s anger. The altar was rejected and the sanctuary was despised. He handed all to the enemies who were shouting in it as if it were a day of celebration.
All the strength of Israel vanished beneath the fierce anger of God. As the enemy attacked, the Lord withdrew His protection over the city. The enemy was able to consume Judah like a raging fire. This total demolition, destruction and devastation brought about unending sorrow and tears to the survivors. (vv. 1-10). Before now, Israel depended on 4 powerful factors and sources of security –
the security of the gates
the leadership of the kings and princes
the guidance of the law, and
the vision of the prophets.
All these calmed them into a false sense of security and made them comfortable with their sin. But when these were removed, the people were left with the choice of either to repent and return to God; or continue in their suffering. Now, what is giving you false confidence, false hope to rebel against the commands of the Lord? What is making you not to recognise, uphold, and honour the sovereignty of the Lord? We are never to substitute, whether good or bad symbols for the reality of a living personal relationship with God.
Consequences of sin as it affects innocent children.
Jeremiah lamented and cried over what he saw as he went through the ruined and devasted streets. He cried until tears dried up from his tear gland, and his heart was broken. His spirit poured out in agony as he watched the desperate plight of his people. Little children and babies fainting and dying in the streets. While crying to their mothers for food and drink, their lives were being wasted like the life of a wounded warrior. They gasped for life as they collapsed in their mothers’ arms (vv. 11-12). This is the agony of the aftermath of destruction, devastation of war, and ruins of the holy city by strangers who do not acknowledge, or fear God. They were devilishly ruthless and wicked. The most heart-breaking consequences of Judah’s wilful sins against God, is in the starvation and suffering of the children. The consequences of our sins not only affect us, but is worse felt where we least expect. The effect can harm, hurt those closest to us. On the spot, rarely would we think, for example, that the fallout of our sins, self-serving decisions, can devastate our children’s well-being for a lifetime. It is really bad for our children to find themselves caught up in a terrible situation they had no part in creating (Jer. 31:29). Wherever and whenever we come across children in such situation, our immediate response should be a determined intercession.
In the previous chapter, Jeremiah had called on God for a revenge on the enemy. Whereas, in verse 19 of today’s reading, his call is to the people “to pour your hearts like water to the Lord. Lift up your hands to Him in prayer, pleading for your children for in every street they are faint with hunger.” The people must turn from their sins, and sincerely mourn for their sins against God (3:40-42). Today, this plea applies to us all, we all have so much to cry to God about. By our stubborn rebellion against God, we had brought great suffering to all – innocent children, young and old. It is only when our prideful independent hearts are broken over sin that God can come to our rescue (2 Chronicles 7:14). Mere feeling sorrowful when we experience the consequences of sin will never bring forgiveness. When we cry out to God in repentance, he will forgive, and we must strive by the help of the Holy Spirit not to go back to the same sin again. May God help us all, in Jesus’ name.
OLUFUNMILAYO TITILOLA ADEKUSIBE
To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud. “Father, I acknowledge my sin against You. I repent and ask for forgiveness, in the name of Jesus. I surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in Your path of righteousness. Thank you, Lord”.
If you said the prayer, Congratulations! Prayerfully look for a living church and report to the resident reverend, pastor or priest.
Prayer:
Father, thank You because Your steadfast love never ceases; Your mercies never end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness, O Lord.
Compassionate God, thank you for forgiveness of sins through Jesus Christ.
Lord, many are broken-hearted, anguished, and defeated due to the calamity of ruined nations, and the feeling of Your judgement. You know their needs, You know places that now lie empty in their lives, You know their wounds, their fractures, and the walls that have fallen down. Let the sovereignty of Your Spirit intervene in these situations, heal wounds, mend fractures, close doors of affliction, restore peace, bring back the joy of Your salvation as they return to Your true hope, in Jesus’ name.
Lord, rescue the perishing, care for the dying. Snatch them in pity from sin and the grave, in Jesus’ name.
Lord, uphold all levels of our children by Your truth, train them, guide them in your path of holiness and be their Shepherd, in Jesus’ name.
Lord remember Your servants on the field proclaiming the truth of the Gospel, those interceding and standing in the gap, raise intercessors for them, in Jesus’ name.
Lord, uphold the body of Christ, and decision-making leaders of Your Church by Your Spirit, help them not to compromise their faith, in Jesus’ name.
Lord, deliver our nation from the grip of evil and wickedness, in Jesus’ name.
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