Canonical Reading Plan for Aug 28, Lam 1-2

Today's readings are Lam 1-2.

Lamentations was likely written by Jeremiah shortly after the fall of Jerusalem (2 Chron 35:25). It is comprised of 5 poems, a chapter each, all mourning the losses of that great city. While it is graphic in its descriptions of devastation and grief, the high point of the poems is found in ch 3 where we hear that the suffering and sorrow would produce hope because God's mercies are "new every morning" and inexhaustible.

In Lam 1, we hear the author's lament (vs. 1-11), then the personified lament of the city in vs. 12-22. The feelings of grief and loss are palpable. The devastation and abandonment are complete, all because the people of Israel and Judah have, themselves, abandoned God. They have turned away from their Provider and Protector, allied themselves with ungodly nations, worshipped other gods and drank deeply from what the world has to offer. Now, in their hour of need, they find themselves the derided by fickle friends, oppressed by brutal enemies and left exposed with no covering.

The situation for those who only call out to God in their hour of need is much the same. Many believe they can live ungodly lifestyles, take the grace of God for granted, then run to Him when trouble arises. Like Jerusalem, they become the victims of their own devices.

Lam 2:1-10 details the Lord's anger unleashed upon the city. Jer 2:11-19 are the author's lament and his call for the remaining people of the city to pray. In Jer2:20-22, Jerusalem, once again personified, laments her own destruction.

Everything has happened exactly as had been prophesied. That Jeremiah is lamenting and praying, calling the city to repent is the ember of hope that God still intends to do good for His people. Looking back on the Book of Jeremiah, there were times when Jeremiah was specifically instructed by God not to pray for the people (Jer 7:16; 11:14; 14:11). God's judgment was coming, but it was to refine not destroy. Now that judgment has fallen, God signals His intention to redeem by allowing prayer for the city and people once again.

We should see mercy and grace in God's treatment of His people. It's far too easy to look upon the destruction of Jerusalem and label God as vengeful and angry. However, the narrative arc of the Bible consistently puts His grace on display This would be a good thing for us to remember when we come upon hard times. God intends to refine and grow us, not destroy us.