Chapter 761 of 1163

Lamentations 1

Is sin worth it? Sin promises to enrich you, but in the end it robs you of the good things God has given you. Jerusalem had been a popular princess; now she had become a lonely widow who was a slave (vv. 1–2). Once she had enjoyed splendor, but now her glory was gone (v. 6). All she had left were memories (v. 7), and remembering only made the pain greater. She had refused the yoke of submission to the Lord (Jer. 27–28), but now she had to wear the yoke of the enemy (v. 14; Jer. 5:5).

Does anybody care? There was no one to comfort the people (vv. 2, 9, 16–17, 21). Even those who beheld the ruins showed no concern (v. 12). Former friends who praised her were now enemies who despised her (vv. 2, 8). Even the Lord was like an enemy to His people. The people who encourage you in your sin will discourage you in your suffering.

Can anybody question God? “The Lord is righteous,” but His people had been rebellious (vv. 18, 20). Read the chapter again and note the words used to describe their sin. Jeremiah had warned them, but they listened instead to the false prophets (2:14; 4:13). God is holy, and sin must be judged.

Those Who Pass By

Lamentations 1:12 is sometimes applied to our Lord Jesus Christ when He hung on the cross. Except for a small group of followers who stayed at the cross, nobody else offered Him any sympathy. They mocked Him and added to His pain. Yet, He did it for you and me! He felt the anger of God against our sins. Do we have compassion on those who suffer, or do we pass by “on the other side” (Luke 10:25–37)?

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