Today's Reading:

Lamentations 3:36-66
Lamentations 4
Lamentations 5:1-22

The ending of Lamentations 5:22 reads, “unless you have utterly rejected us and are angry with us beyond measure.” This ending from Jeremiah (or whoever wrote the book) was honest, unfinished, and very human. He did not tie up the end of the book with a neat bow. Instead, without an ending, he left the honesty hanging there. That is exactly what makes it feel so human and full of grace. Jeremiah did not pretend everything was fine. He did not force a happy smile. He simply told the truth about how abandoned and exhausted the people felt. God then let Scripture stand for itself. The emotional cry standing alone in the Bible is a gift. It is a reminder that we do not have to clean up our pain before we hand it over to God. We do not have to finish each sentence with perfect faith before He hears our words.

​Centuries later, with Jesus hung on the cross, crying out with His own unfinished question: “My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?” He left the same honest question hanging in the air. In yesterday’s reading, and today (even tomorrow), because of Him, even our most unfinished prayers are safe with God. Verse 22 does not have to be the end of the story. It was just waiting for our Savior, who carried our rejection and God’s anger with love, so that we never again would have to feel utterly rejected.

​When life leaves you with unanswered questions and unresolved pain, how do you keep bringing those unfinished prayers to God instead of shutting down or pretending everything is fine?

 

The entire book of Lamentations is still read each year in Jewish tradition on the Tish a B’Av, the day of mourning for the destruction of both Temples. Lamentations chapters 1-3 tell of how crushed Jeremiah felt and then moved to the hope that God’s mercies are “new each morning.” Both the good and the bad things come from the Lord. So why should one complain when being judged for their sins? There is no going over God’s head. What He commands is what happens. If you are breathing and alive, then there should be no pity parties. Since you are alive, you cannot complain; use that energy for good instead. Jeremiah called for true repentance by hands and hearts. God made Himself unreachable with a cloud, making the people feel like scum, the sludge that no one wants. He felt for the people that war had hit, especially the women, and like he was being drowned. But even in the pit of despair, God showed up. The enemies mocked and sang about their cruelty. He asked God to give his enemies exactly what they deserve.

​Chapter four gave a depiction of the horror that came with the siege. The people who were once treasured had become a society of total collapse. Even animals treated their own better under pressure. The royal and wealthy who were wearing purple garments were also starving and in the streets. The punishment would be worse than Sodom’s time. That was a quick punishment, but here Jerusalem’s punishment would drag out. The picture of the elites before were bright snow, polished gemstones and now turned to black soot. Starvation had turned them into bones covered in ash. Women had no food in the fields and turned to cooking their own children, a reality of the siege. God’s protection was looked on as magical, and one never imagined that the walls of Jerusalem could be taken by the enemies, that is, until it happened. But it did happen because of the sins of the prophets and priests; therefore, they would get no respect or favor. They should have been leading people towards God. The people hoped an ally would come to help, but none did.  Zedekiah, the king, was captured when trying to flee. The ‘shadow’ of protective covering failed. Jeremiah reminded Edom (Esau’s descendants) to enjoy their time while it lasted because their turn for judgment was coming. They would be punished for what they did to Zion, and their end would give a small glimmer of hope to the people of Judah.

​Chapter five was more of a prayer for those left in the land or in exile. The land that was once Israel’s was not under the control of outsiders. Judah was helpless, even having to pay for water and firewood. They ended up submitting to Egypt and Assyria for protective alliances in order to survive, which left them with consequences that lasted for generations. A list of their current situation was written. The jackals (scavengers) own the holy mountain. The book of Lamentations ended on an odd note. Yes, God would reign forever, but why does He keep forgetting His people? Was this to be permanent?

Today's Discussion question:

When life leaves you with unanswered questions and unresolved pain, how do you keep bringing those unfinished prayers to God instead of shutting down or pretending everything is fine?

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