SCRIPTURE: Lamentations 1
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
See, Lord, how distressed I am! I am in torment within, and in my heart I am disturbed, for I have been most rebellious. Outside, the sword bereaves; inside, there is only death. [Lamentations 1:20]
Jeremiah speaks for himself and for Israel, regretting how they have rebelled against God, and experiencing the misery of remorse.
Too late, having ignored God’s appeals and warnings, now they are enduring the torment of their rebellion.
The misery goes on around them (they see the horrible things happening to God’s people), but also within them (they feel the shame and regret for their actions).
Dying on the outside and in the inside.
The Son of Man will go as it has been decreed. But woe to that man who betrays him! [Luke 22:22]
Jesus is not warning Judas about God’s revenge, but about his regret – what he will endure after he reaps the consequences of his betrayal.
When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders. “I have sinned,” he said, “for I have betrayed innocent blood.” “What is that to us?” they replied. “That’s your responsibility.” So Judas threw the money into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself. [Matthew 27:3-5]
Misery and death result from his actions, both for Jesus whom he betrayed but also for himself.
And at least Jesus had the comfort of God’s presence in His misery and death; Judas had abandoned God and now feels totally abandoned, hopeless.
Dying on the inside, he hastens the process by taking his own life.
What must a person go through who realizes after the fact that their actions have resulted in great misery and evil?
A drunk driver that killed an innocent family, after he sobers up?
A parent of a neglected child who turns to crime and violence for attention and acceptance.
A child abuser who finally realizes the horror of their deeds (one day they will).
How will the person feel when they finally get what they wanted – eternity without God?
The people of Israel were discovering what life is like without God.
And through Jeremiah they now voice their lament.
Our choices today result in our consequences tomorrow.
This is especially critical in regards to our attitude and response to God.
If you ignore or reject God now, where will you turn when you need Him tomorrow?
If you keep God at a distance now, why be surprised when He seems distant in hard times.
God doesn’t delight in making us suffer but He will not force Himself on those that refuse Him.
And woe to those that refuse Him.
See, Lord, how distressed I am! I am in torment within, and in my heart I am disturbed, for I have been most rebellious. Outside, the sword bereaves; inside, there is only death. [Lamentations 1:20]
PRAYER:
Lord, forgive me my own lukewarm heart. Open my eyes to see and feel my need for You even more, that I may seek You will all my heart – and not regret not seeking You later.
The tide has changed. Once it was prosperity; now it is famine. Once there were lovers; now it is loneliness, isolation. All is a memory. In my despair there is not one to comfort me. The choices I made had consequences and now in her isolation she cries to the Lord to look upon her situation for no one else will.
Knowing the will of the Lord and yet going one’s own way brings isolation, rejection, suffering, pain, loneliness. The pain is not only on the outside – being isolated and hungry, but the heart within groans and hurts realizing the rebellion.
Life without God is a living death. Return my heart to home! May all my sorrow lead me to the cross.
In doubt and temptation I rest, Lord, in Thee;
My hand is in Thy hand, Thou carest for me;
My soul with Thy counsel through life Thou wilt guide,
And afterward make me in glory abide.
Refrain
My God, I will extol Thee
And ever bless Thy Name;
Each day will I give thanks to Thee
And all Thy praise proclaim.
In glory Thou only my portion shall be,
On earth for none other I long for but Thee;
My flesh and heart falter, but God is my stay,
The strength of my spirit, my portion for aye.
Refrain
All they that forsake Thee must perish and die,
But near to my Savior most blessèd am I;
I make Thee my refuge, my Lord and my God;
Thy grace and Thy glory I publish abroad.