March 29, Lamentations 5
Restore us to yourself, O LORD, that we may be restored! Renew our days as of old-- unless you have bitterly rejected us, and you remain exceedingly angry with us. - Lamentations 5:21-22
This last chapter of a book of sad songs is a cry for mercy in the midst of anguish. The cry came from people who were suffering the bitter consequences of sinning without remorse or repentance against God for generations. They were suffering hardship, injustice and poverty whether they were taken away to Babylon or left in the land. The poorest of the people who were left in the land were not better off than those who went away into Babylon. They were at least suffering in familiar surroundings, but they owned nothing, had no resources and were slaves of the overseers the Babylonians had left in charge. They had to buy the water they drank, and purchase the wood they needed for their fires.
The dismal circumstances robbed the people of their joy. It was dangerous to go out in search of food because of Bedouin robbers who attacked those who ventured out into the wilderness. The women were in constant danger of being sexually assaulted. The children were forced to carry the same load that an adult could carry. Public gatherings and celebrations stopped. There was only grueling servitude to merciless captors.
God's presence in Zion had been a sign of his favor and pleasure to dwell among his people. But when the Lord withdrew his presence from among them, his absence was a frightening consequence of their sin. They forfeited the great blessing of living close to God.
People pray fervent prayers when they realize they are in trouble. The sincere and desperate tone of the suffering remnant's pleas remind me of Hezekiah's prayer for deliverance when the Assyrians were bearing down on Jerusalem. Their words sound like Jehoshaphat's earnest prayer: "We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you." And their cry to God for restoration reminds us of Asaph's prayer for God to restore his people and grant them salvation by his mighty right hand.
The Davidic dynasty was over. There was no more throne in Jerusalem and no rightful heir of David to sit on it. They and their fathers had not acknowledged God's control, choosing instead to live as they pleased instead of doing as God commanded. But their troubles gave these people a clear vision that God was still in
control. They prayed, "But you, O LORD, reign forever; your throne endures to all generations." They needed a big God, a God bigger than themselves and bigger than their oppressors to save them.
The descriptions of loss and ruin and confessions of helplessness from these sad chapters can help you and me when we are suffering painful consequences of disobedience.
But please don't just read these lamentations and commiserate with these broken people. We need to remember and pray what Jeremiah remembered and prayed when his endurance and hope had perished: "The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. 'The LORD is my portion,' says my soul, 'therefore I will hope in him.'" Memorize these words, learn to sing this song. If you and I will remember and believe these words, we will never have to live without hope.
Copyright © 2024 by Michael B. McElroy. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Today in God's Word—March 2024
East Tallassee Church of Christ
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