January 27
Straight from the Pastor’s Heart by Dr. Hernes Abante
Lamentations 3:21-23 - “This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope.
[22] It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
[23] They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
The author's identity of the Book of Lamentation is not explicitly mentioned within the text. However, it has been traditionally ascribed to the prophet Jeremiah. The original name of the book in Hebrew, "ekah," is a word that can be translated as "Alas!" or "How," conveying a sense of weeping or lamenting over a sad event.
Over time, the book became known as "Lamentations," replacing its original name due to its more evocative meaning. The book is a collection of poetic laments that mourn the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple, and it is considered one of the major prophetic works of the Hebrew Bible.
The book of Jeremiah is known for depicting the prophet as a sorrowful figure, earning him the nickname of the "weeping prophet." The reason for this is evident in the text, as the author bears witness to the aftermath of the destruction of Jerusalem.
However, what makes Jeremiah's account of these events particularly poignant is that he was present during the invasion, experiencing the horror and devastation firsthand. This is evident in Lamentations 1:13-15, where the author laments the destruction and suffering that has befallen his people.
The book of Jeremiah opens with a distressing and desolate portrayal of the once glorious city of Jerusalem, which had been reduced to ruins and desolation by the Babylonian invasion of 586 BC. As Jeremiah wandered through the streets and alleys of the Holy City, he was confronted with utter devastation, where nothing but pain, suffering, and destruction could be seen.
Jeremiah mourned the tragedy that had befallen Jerusalem, which was entirely of its own making. The people of this once-great city had incurred the wrath of God, and the consequences were catastrophic. However, in the midst of this lament over the effects of sin, there is a strong statement of hope that shines like a beacon of light amid the surrounding darkness. This message of hope is a source of comfort and inspiration to all those struggling under the weight of their sin and disobedience.
The concept of perfect justice inherent within God's nature is a testament to His grace and compassion. In His infinite mercy, God always allows us to repent and turn away from our misguided ways before executing His divine justice. For humble people who seek forgiveness, God is quick to offer restoration. However, for those who choose to persist in their evil ways, punishment is inevitable.
It is undeniable that there is always a sense of sadness and regret when we suffer the consequences of our actions. But, the beauty of God's forgiveness lies in the fact that it offers hope and a chance for redemption. As His children, we are presented with a choice - we can either humble ourselves, repent, and return to God, or continue to suffer the bitter consequences of our sins.
Our Prayer for today:
Dear God, all the sadness we see around us results from our wrongdoing, wickedness, and inaction to do right. Too often, we blame You for judging us. We fail to recognize the grace that You always bestowed for us to change and repent of our wrong ways. Thank You for, despite our sins, You have given us hope and complete restoration. In Jesus name! Amen!