S) "20 Why do You forget us forever?
Why do You forsake us so long?"
Lamentations 5:20 (NASB)
O) This chapter concludes the book of Lamentations, and this verse is almost the end of the chapter. While Jeremiah had some very good reasons to lament the condition of his people, especially relative to their relationship with the LORD, this final chapter seems almost like an extended complaint. Reading the final paragraph (and this is the second of those final four verses), it almost seems as though Jeremiah has forgotten the words of the prophecies God had already given him. Particularly, that their exile would be limited to seventy years. I certainly understand how, in the midst of such heavy turmoil, it could feel like it's taking forever. It could seem as though their condition was unending. However, they were directly told, Jeremiah was directly told, that their exile would last exactly seventy years. I think, as we consider the perspective of this author, one reason for his position might be that he was looking beyond their exact, current circumstances. This condition of persecution, external rule over the people of Israel, was not at all a new condition to them. Reading through the book of Judges, we could almost apply this entire chapter to any one of those low points in their history, when they were oppressed by other people (excepting, possibly, Lamentations 5:6). Considering that Jeremiah knew, very much, that their exile to Babylon was finite, I think it is actually very likely, that this final chapter, and especially the final four verses, are speaking to a much bigger perspective than Nebuchadnezzar's empire. Really, more than anything else, I think that in this chapter, Jeremiah is looking for his Messiah (see Hebrews 11:13-16; 32-40). I think he was looking for an end to the cycle.
A) So much of this chapter talks about an economic plight. It is easy for me to relate to a lot of that, even in Christ. There is a significant difference, though. While I have financial struggles, and they can be wearisome, I also have an eternal perspective that Jeremiah lacked. When I read these rhetorical questions from the above verse, I actually have definitive answers for them, in Christ. God has not forgotten me at all, even in the midst of my earthly struggles. He does not forsake me, even while my struggles might persist. On the contrary, my struggles draw me closer to my King, making me rely on Him more fully. I am drawn to Him more often, when I realize my need for Him is great. My earthly struggles (financial hardship, for example), remind me of the eternal needs that I have for Him. In Christ Jesus, I have a permanent reconciliation to the Father, that no one can take from me. There is no oppressor that can rob me. There is no circumstance that can prevent me from reaching out to my Father God. As long as I have my faith in Christ, as long as I am residing in Him, then I have a hope that defies lamentations.
P) Father, the grace of the gospel humbles me beyond words, I think. As I sit and consider how I would respond, were I one of Jeremiah's contemporaries, I'm at a bit of a loss. When I think about my life, when I was trying to live independent of Your rule, it's not so hard to sympathize with Jeremiah. This, I think, is what it means to share the gospel. Remind me, Lord, that I don't have to know all of the answers, I just need to tell my story. That's all it means to spread the gospel, really. Give me courage and wisdom, to be bold when I share. Give me the right words, to sew seeds that will bear fruit to the glory of Your name. Open ears, open eyes, soften hearts, to hear and see and accept the gospel, Lord. Let it start in my own home, in my family. Let me be the most bold with them, God. Let Your will be done. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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