Lamentations

A Brief Introduction 

Global Message for Today 

1. In the midst of national suffering, Jeremiah reveals a true pastor’s heart. He does not turn from the people, but rather, he identifies with them in their sorrow. His tears mingle with theirs. How can you identify, grieve with, and support someone you know who is suffering? 

2. What sorrow sin brings in its wake! Let us, therefore, heed the Word of God and seek to follow God’s ways rather than our own desires. Remember, our sufficiency is in Christ alone! 

3. Sadly, the world often takes great delight in the sufferings of the Lord’s people, and here, in Lamentations, we have such a case before us in v. 21 . What should be our response, when such taunting is directed at us in our sorrows? First, we are to remember that a day of judgment is coming. Secondly, we should remember that though the enemies of God may take much delight in the present sufferings of His people, they are completely ignorant of the fact that He chastens us “for our profit” (Heb. 12:10 ) in order that we might escape what will be their tragic end.

1. Lamentations reveals how the Lord deals with His unrepentant people, “How hath the Lord covered the daughter of Zion with a cloud in his anger” (v. 1 ). When the Egyptians pursued after Israel at the Red Sea, the fiery, cloudy pillar came between Israel and the Egyptians (Ex. 14:19–20 ), yet now the cloud of God’s anger confronts Judah. Let us therefore endeavor, by God’s grace, to stay close to the Savior, for He says, “I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life” (John 8:12 ). 

2. Judah was suffering the consequence of their sin. Yet sometimes calamities come into life for no apparent reason. Our faith can at times be tested severely. We may find these trials hard to square with the love of a heavenly Father. We may ask, concerning our circumstances, “Why is this thing happening? Why am I suffering so much? What good can come from this? Has God deserted me?” At times like this, we have plenty of questions, but few or no answers. Yet often we can do nothing in our grief, other than ask God these questions even as we bow under His sovereign will. Such was the situation concerning Judah after the fall of Jerusalem. However, “Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?” (Gen. 18:25 ).

1. Jeremiah’s counsel is appropriate for every circumstance of life yet particularly in times of trouble: “The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him” (v. 25 ). When the apostle Paul was severely troubled by his “thorn in the flesh,” he writes: “For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness” (2 Cor. 12:7–9 ). What a blessing, in times of trial, to be able to say, “Most gladly therefore will I glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me” (2 Cor. 12:9 )! 

2. Although there are times when prayer seems to be powerless and empty (v. 44 reality is that God draws near when His people call (v. 57 ), the ). Prayer is often not easy. Sometimes we must wrestle as Jacob did, but what an incentive to keep on praying— God hears us and will answer! Take comfort in this: our God says, “Fear not” (v. 57 ). Remember what Christ has done for believers! The closing verses of this third lament reveal God as the Vindicator of His people. Jeremiah knows that the Lord sees and hears all that the enemies of God’s people have done to them, and he cries to the One who “though he bear long with them . . . will avenge them speedily” (Luke 18:7–8 ).

1. What a tragedy when the Lord’s people lose their usefulness in His service. Just as the temple was constructed of fine stones perfectly fitted together to the glory of God, so believers as “lively [or living] stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 2:5 ). Remember, Christian, you are chosen to “shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light” (1 Peter 2:9 ). 

2. The failures of the religious leaders had terrible consequences for the entire nation. The connection between the pulpit and the welfare of people remains strong. In a real sense, “how goes the pulpit, so goes the nation.” Let us, therefore, understand the vital importance of sitting under faithful ministry where our spiritual needs are satisfied in Christ alone. May we earnestly seek after faithful ministry that preaches Christ in all His beauty and declares His wonderful merits. May we delight in the gospel and shun that which is harmful to our souls. O that we might be delivered from sinful religious leadership in our day!

1. It is a difficult thing for God’s people to bear reproach because it poorly reflects upon the honor of the Lord Himself. Therefore, when we feel such reproach, we must come with all haste to the throne of grace and find our refuge in Christ. Judah’s inheritance was lost through sin, and while it is the Christian’s privilege to have an inheritance that cannot be lost (1 Peter 1:4 ), nonetheless, our being the Lord’s is revealed by obedience to Him (1 Peter 1:14–15 ). Let us therefore greatly value our inheritance won at such tremendous cost through the supreme sacrifice of our Savior, Jesus Christ. 

2. Judah’s sin took them to the depths, and it was not until they realized that depth that they came to their senses and sought the Lord. When we stubbornly go our own way, God allows us to come to an end of ourselves; only then shall we realize our foolishness (Luke 15:17–19 ). What a blessing that God has a design for our suffering—it brings us to the place of prayer! Let us learn this lesson well: there is no true joy when living distant from the Lord.