Stockton Baptist Church

WELL, DUH! That pretty much sums up much of the Bible, but especially the book of Lamentations. How often must God warn about the consequences of sin before people sit up and listen? After repeated warnings about their idolatry, around 740 BC, God finally sent the Assyrians to start conquering Israel (the northern tribes) (1 Kings 15). A second invasion occurred in 721 BC (1 Kings 17) when the northern tribes were largely carried away captives. Then, in 701, Assyria set its sights on Jerusalem and Israel (the southern tribes), but God turned back this "warning shot" and gave them more time to repent. Did they? Sadly, no. So, in 605 BC, God sent in the Babylonians. After conquering outlying towns, they finally came against Jerusalem in 588 BC. The next two years were not pretty. In fact, they got downright ugly. As the siege drew on, food became scarce. Speaking of the children, Jeremiah writes, "They cry to their mothers, 'Where is bread and wine?' as they faint like a wounded man in the streets" (Lam. 2:12). It got worse, however, as Jeremiah reveals through a question, "Should women eat the fruit of their womb, the children of their tender care?" (Lam. 2:20). Yes, sickeningly, by their stubborn refusal to worship their Creator, they actually turned to cannibalism. As Hosea put it, "For they sow the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind" (Hos. 8:7). Lamentations serves as a grim reminder, that living a life of sin and rebellion against God, despite all of its enticements and supposed glamour, carries with it the high price of misery, sorrow, pain, financial ruin, and even loss of life. However, better choices can be made by God's grace. That's why Jeremiah, despite witnessing such desperate times, was able to say, "This I recall to my mind, Therefore I have hope. Through the LORD's mercies we are not consumed" (Lam. 3:21-22). Aren't you thankful that there IS mercy with the Lord...when we seek Him?