“Return To The Lord And Be Saved!”

“Return To The Lord And Be Saved!”
Prophet Jeremiah has been nicknamed “The Weeping Prophet.” This name comes probably because the book of Lamentations is ascribed to him. It is true that the book of Lamentations is anonymous but its vocabulary and style is kind of similar to that of the book of Jeremiah. Besides, Jeremiah was an eyewitness to the divine judgment on Jerusalem in 586 B.C.
All the prophetic books, except Haggai includes one or more genre of lament. A good number of Psalms are lament poems. However, Lamentations is the book that consists solely of laments; and is the only Old Testament book containing individual or community laments.
Lamentations is a nostalgic cry over the ruins of Jerusalem. The destruction by enemies was a divine judgment from God who was tired of the sinfulness of his chosen people.
The fact that we have been washed by the blood of Jesus Christ is not license to continue in sin. When we look at the horrible things happening to us and around us, we can see divine judgment.
It is time we all come out in public lamentation so that God can save us. Jeremiah considered himself as “the man who has seen affliction by the rod of” God’s wrath. Even though the situation seemed hopeless, the prophet was hopeful: “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassion never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness”(Lam.3:1-22).
When the storms of life are raging because we choose the wrong path, let us retrace our steps. Let us lament for what we are going through, but resting on this hope: The Lord has great love for us. His compassion never fail. They are new every morning for his faithfulness is great!
Sunday prayer: Lord, I/we deserve the punishment I/we have received. Hear my/our lament and save me/us. Amen!
Have a blessed Sunday! Peace be with you!