Jeremiah has described over and over the destruction of Israel. He has lamented the effects of turning away from God. He writes, “We have to pay for our drinking water, Our wood comes to us at a price. Our pursuers are at our necks; We are worn out, there is no rest for us. We get our bread at the risk of our lives Because of the sword in the wilderness. Our skin has become as hot as an oven, Because of the burning heat of famine.” Lamentations 5:4-5, 9-10
Israel had turned away from the Lord and the repercussions of those decisions affected the lives of the people. Jeremiah ends his writing wondering what the Lord might do, “Restore us to You, O Lord, that we may be restored; Renew our days as of old, Unless You have utterly rejected us And are exceedingly angry with us.” Lamentations 5:21-22
Years later Jesus would look over Jerusalem lamenting and weeping as well for their disobedience, “When He approached Jerusalem, He saw the city and wept over it,” (Luke 19:41). Jeremiah endured mistreatment speaking a message of repentance. Jesus endured the cross-giving way for repentance. We need no longer to wonder what the Lord would do, the Father sent Jesus. Jesus willingly sacrificed Himself. The Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin. There’s a way to be restored. His name is Jesus!
-To Know Jesus. To Live on Mission.