Loving the KJV Children’s Bible “One Big Story.” A description of Lamentations content highlights the people (Judah) of Jerusalem finally realized they lost everything-their city, country, homes and the temple of God because of their gross sin to include their refusal to obey the commandments given by God to Moses for His “Chosen people.” Exodus 20:3-4 “Thou shalt have no other gods before Me. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them. The people did all they were commanded not to do and more. Their acts in the Book of Jeremiah according to the KJV Reference Bible covered a period of 41 years. The people were far removed from the true and living God as well as their insensitivity to God’s emotion which led to their destruction. Exodus 20:5 “I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity (evil/sin) of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me.”
As the people of God can any of us relate to the act of bowing down-putting our agendas, desires, follies, work and/or other stuff ahead of God whether un or intentional. I have which resulted to financial losses and emotional despair. Yet upon finally crying out and weeping to God led to immediate repentance and remorse. Then I felt God’s unmerited favor, grace and mercy in my heart. Over a period of time restoration. It doesn’t end there or here—think about it. Mounts of distractions can easily discourse me, you and others. Therefore a continued watch, discernment, prayer; the reading, internalizing and putting God’s Word into action, a “Daily communion with the LORD.”
“The significance of Lamentations lies in the fact of the love and sorrow for the very people God chastened. A sorrow brough on by the Holy Spirt in the heart of Jermiah (KJV Reference Bible). In other words the LORD’S power of love, sorrow and compassion lived in the heart of Jeremiah for the people of Judah. A reference to Christ’s Spirit that is filled with His love, compassion, grace, mercy, forgiveness and more for all believers. He pleads our cases-situations daily before the Father. Y’all it cannot get any better than that until our transformation of eternal life in the New Heaven and New Earth.
Let’s talk about the Watch. Lam. 2:19 Jeremiah’s call for the people to pray. “Arise, cry out in the night: in the beginning (the first watch 6:00pm-9:00pm) of the watches pour out thine heart like water (weeping) 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.” Vs. 10 “The hands of compassionate women have cooked their own children, who became their food in the destruction of the daughter of my people.” O my God, what a state of destitution! The “First Watch” the people needed to pray to God due to their calamity and desperation. First a prestation of humbleness, recognize their sins, cry-out to God for forgiveness of their sins, seek His provision, care and compassion during the destruction and unrest of their country.
In America we would normally declare “A State of Emergency” when disasters strike, whether natural or man-made, state/local governments and emergency managers need quick access to resources that allow them to manage a crisis and return things to normal. Yet the climate we are living in, we pray systems are in place to assist. Let’s not forget family planning and neighborhood organization. The declaration of a State of Emergency helps elected leaders achieve this mission.
We can also declare Jeremiah was in a “State of Emergency” centered around his array of emotions. However already an awareness that his help comes from the LORD. Thus he cried-out in sorrow, felt all alone, now in the remains of a “Ghost city. He said, 1:20-21 ” Behold, O LORD; for I am in distress: my bowels (normally related to stomach) are troubled; mine heart is turned within me; for I have grievously rebelled: abroad the sword bereaved-grieved (deprived, destitute), at home there is as death. They have heard that I sigh: there is none to comfort me: all mine enemies have heard of my trouble; they are glad that thou hast done it: thou wilt bring the day that thou hast called, and they shall be like unto me. Jeremiah 11:21 “Therefore thus saith the LORD of the men of Anathoth, that seek thy life, saying, Prophesy not in the name of the LORD, that thou die not by our hand. The people wanted Jeremiah dead. Can you and I imagine saying, “Thus says the LORD message for folks to repent or face destruction? Then to have our lives threatened.
There’s more in Chapter three. Jeremiah continued to feel forsaken by God or the LORD’s hand was against him. Paraphrasing Jeremiah’s emotions. He felt God had a deaf ear to his cries, shouts and prayers. Bitterness arose in verse 15 that made Jeremiah feel like he was drunk with intense bitterness seemingly beyond his control. Verse 17 “And thou hast removed my soul far off from peace: I forgot prosperity Verse 18 “And I said my strength and my hope is perished from the LORD. Jeremiah was going through with the ability to tell God how he felt.
A few key take-aways from Jeremiah’s turmoil ordeals that reconfirms THERE IS HOPE for you and me during emotional anguish.
1. God was silent, but listened to Jeremiah. To listen most times without speaking is a normal part of the grieving process. Jeremiah, the griever’s heart felt emotional anguish. His heart was broken. Therefore he needed to verbalize his feelings. Look at the wisdom of God. A word of wisdom for us. When someone is grieving learn to listen more. Nod your head to let the person know you hear them. We don’t say stuff like “God knows best and/or they are in a better place.” Another thought-God did not have to answer. He already knew Jeremiah’s prayer before he started, as well as he would come to the conclusion of God’s goodness and mercy.
2. God was well pleased with Jeremiah’s obedience and faithfulness to deliver His message of repentance to Judah and the warning of destruction to come if the people fail to repent. Jeremiah didn’t think he was worthy. But God had chosen and equipped him to fulfill his calling. Question: Is God pleased with yours’ and my obedience and faithfulness in answering and fulfilling His calling to serve or help His people/others? Then w/o a doubt we are assured he has called and equipped us to filling His calling.
3. Just like Jeremiah experienced a personal-direct relationship with God-the Father. We rest with the assurances, promises and greatest HOPE of “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous (1 John 2:1).” Then the mindset of Christ is available for every believer (Philippians 2:5). The likeness of Christ’s patience and the fruit of His Spirt is available for residency in our hearts (Galatians 5:22-23).
THERE IS HOPE despite personal, community, government and/or worldly challenges and despair. Thus we are thankful for God’s unfailing compassions which are new every morning: great is His faithfulness, emphasis on the importance of praying the first Watch for encouragement, to cry-out/weep to the LORD when in despair and His attentiveness to our cries. Yet we are reminded of righteousness, to operate in our callings by God, to operate in humility, confess our sins and ask for forgiveness with remorse. Thanks LORD for Jesus, our Advocate and present HOPE for today and tomorrow. As always blessings, love, joy and peace! Neatbooks4u
