Turn and Be Restored|
Within this last chapter of Lamentations, we can see the steps of repentance that can open the way for spiritual renewal. Repentance has two sides to it. It is not only acknowledging the sin that has brought God's judgment, but also acknowledging that God is the only hope for restoration. Both are important for anyone who is ready for a new beginning with God. This chapter begins with the first glimmers of hope, declaring, "Remember, O Lord, what has come upon us" (v. 1). This is stated in light of the reproach and loss of everything God had desired Israel to have. All had been lost because of sin, but God remains the same. He has not ceased in His desire to see His promises realized for His people. As Jeremiah said in the closing of this lamentation, "You, O Lord, remain forever, Your throne from generation to generation," (v. 19). We may go up and down, be in sin or in righteousness, but God remains perfectly the same. This is vital to keep before us when we come to our senses and sincerely seek repentance. We must remember God's unchanging faithfulness. God may have to bring affliction and judgment, but it is with the end desire of restoring us. But restoration will never happen until we have first been forced to experience how evil sin really is, which comes most often by experiencing sin's painful consequences. But God's end desire is for us to come to our senses, fully turn from sin, and come once again under the riches of His grace. When in repentance we turn our backs to sin and our faces back to God, knowing that His is waiting with open arms, repentance will be all the more doable. We know God "remembers" who we were meant to be as His children. He will not give up on us. This is the expectation behind verse 20, "Why do you forget us forever and forsake us for so long a time?" Jeremiah knows the bigger picture, and it makes no sense that God would drag out Israel's suffering beyond what is necessary. Jeremiah knows God will answer his cry to help them turn back to God. Once Israel admits they can do nothing of lasting good unless God empowers it, God is more than ready to help them repent, turn back to Him, and restore them. Restoration and renewal are God's ultimate desire for each one of us. Sin has left us all in great reproach and loss. Like Israel, we can bring some horrible consequences upon our heads. But also, like His desire for Israel, it is to bring us to our knees so that we will come to Him in obedient faith. He will help us to turn back and become a restored person. Remember—God knows His ultimate goal in His discipline upon His people: it is to bring us to repentance that He may fulfill His desire to transform us into His image. | |||
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Lamentations 5:1-22 A Prayer for Restoration 1 Remember, O LORD, what has come upon us; 2 Our inheritance has been turned over to aliens, 3 We have become orphans and waifs, 4 We pay for the water we drink, 5 They pursue at our heels; 6 We have given our hand to the Egyptians 7 Our fathers sinned and are no more, 8 Servants rule over us; 9 We get our bread at the risk of our lives, 10 Our skin is hot as an oven, 11 They ravished the women in Zion, 12 Princes were hung up by their hands, 13 Young men ground at the millstones; 14 The elders have ceased gathering at the gate, 15 The joy of our heart has ceased; 16 The crown has fallen from our head. 17 Because of this our heart is faint; 18 Because of Mount Zion which is desolate, 19 You, O LORD, remain forever; 20 Why do You forget us forever, 21 Turn us back to You, O LORD, and we will be restored; 22 Unless You have utterly rejected us, | |||
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| Lamentations 5:1-22 v. 2 our inheritance – The land given to the tribe of Judah was a part of Israel's inheritance. v. 6 Egyptians And the Assyrians – Israel was fully dependant upon their allies, the Egypt and Assyria, prior to and during the Babylonians' siege of Jerusalem. Neither of these allies defended Israel from Nebuchadnezzar. v. 9 the sword in the wilderness – This is probably a reference to marauding bandits. v. 12 Princes were hung up by their hands – This was a common tactic in the ancient Near East. Rebellion leaders and members of the royal house were often hung after execution for everyone to see. v. 13 young men ground at the millstones – Grinding at the millstones refers to the process of grinding grain into flour and was a job reserved for the lowest members of society. Prisoners in Mesopotamia were often forced to grind millstones as part of their punishment. boys staggered under loads of wood – Wood fueled many things in the city, including providing heat for homes and fires for kitchens. Slaves were often hired to carry wood into the city. v. 16 The crown has fallen from our head – A symbol of their lost dignity and honor. | |||
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| Turn us back to You, O LORD, and we will be restored; Renew our days as of old –Lamentations 5:21 Thank You, Jesus, that You are so forgiving and patient with us. Our heads and hearts are so easily turned, Lord, to things of the flesh and of the world. You know us, Lord, better than we know ourselves. We pray for the scabs to fall from our eyes so that we may see ourselves as we really are. For those of us who are in opposition to You, we pray for forgiveness and mercy and strength to make different choices. Draw us to You, God. Draw our hearts and our minds to You. | |||
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5:21 Turn us back to You, O LORD, and we will be restored; Renew our days as of old
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