How many of us have read the book of Lamentations? I have heard very few sermons on it. It is a very short book with only five chapters. Perhaps the reason is found in the title of the book. What are lamentations? To lament means to sorrow over something. Lamentations is a book of sorrows over the destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of the Jews to Babylon. It is a book that sorrows over sin. It was written by Jeremiah, also called the weeping prophet. Jeremiah laments over the sin and the punishment of his people.
Jerusalem Is A Slave
In chapter one Jeremiah tells us that once great among the nations, now she is a slave. Her friends have become her enemies. Her children have been taken into captivity by her enemies. Jeremiah feels abandoned. As Jeremiah says, "The comforter who should restore my life is far from me."
God's Fury Poured Out
In chapter two the prophet laments that the Lord was like an enemy pouring out His fury like fire. God has done violence to His tabernacle and destroyed His sanctuary. The women with children faint with hunger to the point that they are considering eating their own children. The Lord "has fulfilled his word" and has caused the enemy to rejoice over His people.
Hope In Him
In chapter three Jeremiah says that his strength and hope have perished from the Lord. But then in verses 22-24 Jeremiah tells us probably the most famous of the verses in this book,
"Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “Therefore I hope in Him!”
Jeremiah continues and says that in spite of God causing his people grief, Jeremiah knows He will show compassion. The prophet asks a question that we could all ask. Why should a man complain for the punishment of his sins? Through his tears Jeremiah says that God drew near when he called on Him and God said not to fear. Jeremiah will still hope.
God Does Not Afflict Willingly
God does not want to punish us anymore than we want to punish our children. God warns, just as we as parents do. God gives many opportunities to change. "For He does not afflict willingly, Nor grieve the children of men." (Lamentations 3:33) But because He is just, when punishment is required, He will do it.
The Sins Of The Prophets
In chapter four the prophet continues lamenting the woes that have come upon Jerusalem. He cries over the thirsty children and the mothers who have eaten their own children. And why has this happened? Jeremiah says it is because of the sins of her prophets and the iniquities (sins) of her priests.
Renew Us O Lord
Finally, in chapter five, Jeremiah prays for the restoration of his people. "Woe to us for we have sinned." says Jeremiah. He asks God to turn the people back to Him and renew them as in times before.
His Compassions Never Fail
The book of Lamentations is a testimony to the unfailing faith of Jeremiah. In the midst of famine, war, disease and destruction he is very aware that this was a just punishment from God for the sins of the people. Jeremiah knows that after the punishment God will have mercy and compassion once again. Jeremiah understood what it meant to fear God.
Warned
This punishment was long in coming. The people had been warned by multiple prophets of what would happen if they continued in disobedience. Long before this, Moses, in Deuteronomy 28:52, told the people what would happen if they abandoned God's commandments. In chapter four when Jeremiah says the punishment is because of the sins of her prophets he is referring to the many false prophets that Israel had listened to. These false prophets had the blood of God's true prophets on their hands and even attempted to kill Jeremiah.
They Said What People Wanted To Hear
These false prophets, instead of telling Israel to repent, told them what they wanted to hear. They caused the destruction of the temple and Jerusalem itself by not speaking truth to the people; as unpopular as that would have been. This reminds me very much of the times we live in when too many pastors and leaders are afraid to speak out against sin.
Only Ourselves To Blame
Lamentations is evidence for the necessity of remorse for sin. Remorse leads to repentance. We can't fool ourselves. If we experience judgment from God, whether on a national scale or an individual one, then as Jeremiah tells us, we shouldn't complain. As hard as it is we need to accept responsibility. We only have ourselves to blame.
Confess Specifically
When we confess sins often we pray, "Lord, forgive me for my sins," without really considering what those sins are. How can we repent (turn away) from a sin we can't even name? How remorseful can we be over a sin we can't name? We need to accept responsibility and be as specific as possible about where and how we have failed God.
Jeremiah Doesn't Give Up On God
What is striking to me about the book of Lamentations is that Jeremiah, even in the midst of the horrors he recounts, does not give up on God. I wonder how many of us would be tempted to shake our fist at God in the midst of so much suffering? How many of us would stop believing that God is merciful and just? It is easy to speak of God's love and mercy when everything is going our way.
Hope For Tomorrow
When punishment comes, Jeremiah teaches us to mourn our sin, he teaches us to accept the just judgment of God and he teaches us to have hope for a better tomorrow. A tomorrow where we are renewed and restored into right relationship with God because He is faithful and true.
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