Bible Pathways - Aug. 30, 2006

Lamentations 1

In Today's Reading:

Jeremiah's lamentation over Jerusalem's destruction

Jeremiah was deeply grieved that the holy city of Jerusalem had become as a widow! she that was great among the nations, and princess among the provinces, how is she become tributary! She weepeth sore (bitterly) in the night, and her tears are on her cheeks . . . she hath none to comfort her: all her friends have dealt treacherously with her, they are become her enemies. Judah is gone into captivity (Lamentations 1:1-3). Jeremiah tells us why Jerusalem was reduced to such deplorable destruction: The LORD hath afflicted her for the multitude of her transgressions (1:5).

The prophet Jeremiah compared the once wealthy, secure, and proud Israelites to a widow who had lost her husband. The loving Lord was the generous Provider and powerful Protector of Israel, but the people rejected Him (Jeremiah 3:20). As a widow, Jerusalem was now alone, weeping in the night, with no one to comfort her: Jerusalem hath grievously sinned (Lamentations 1:8). The Covenant of God with Israel required willing obedience to His Word, but they had not kept their part of the Covenant. Spiritual neglect eventually led the Israelites to lose not only their personal liberty but also the precious privilege to let the world know the One True God who expects them to reject their idols and worship their Creator.

We too have one supreme reason for living, and it is not to obtain financial security, popularity, or material success, or to look forward to the next vacation. The question that needs to be addressed is: Will we read how we must live to please our Creator or suffer the consequences? Pity the person who is wasting the few short years of his life chasing social and financial goals, but failing to achieve the purpose for which God created him. Jesus asked a sobering question: Why call ye Me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? (Luke 6:46). Obviously, we can't do something we don't know, so, He calls upon each of us to know His Scriptures, His Guide to Life.

We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men (II Corinthians 5:10-11).

Christ Revealed:

By Jeremiah's sorrow over the destruction of Jerusalem (Lamentations 1:12-22). Jesus expressed His sorrow for Jerusalem's failure to come to Him before it fell again (Matthew 23:37; Luke 13:34).

Word Studies:

1:3 between the straits =b> where there was no way out; 1:4 solemn feasts =b> appointed assemblies; 1:9 came down wonderfully =b> had a horrifying fall; 1:14 wreathed =b> joined together; 2:12 their soul was poured out into =b> they died in.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for Country: Israel (6 million) in the Middle East · Major languages: Hebrew and Arabic · Witnessing to Jews about Christ the Messiah is actively discouraged · 88% Jewish; 8% Muslim; 2% Christian · Prayer Suggestion: Keep the Word of God and pray to Him who has given you an open door into His presence (Revelation 3:8).

Optional Reading: Revelation 4

Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 100:5