Jeremiah, the weeping prophet, had warned his people what would happen if they did not return to the Lord, then he witnessed their downfall and lamented the aftermath. God’s people had forgotten Him, and He had lifted His sovereign hand and allowed calamity to come their way. Jeremiah had seen the afflictions from the rod of the Lord’s anger. He was surrounded by darkness, pain, and distress. He felt trapped and wondered if God was even listening anymore. He had begged and pleaded with His people to turn back to God before it was too late, yet even after his warnings had come to pass, they laughed at his tears. Peace and prosperity had vanished and all that he had hoped for seemed lost. He was grieving the terrible times and convinced he would never forget them.
Even though he lamented, Jeremiah dared to hope because he knew God was still faithful.
Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this: The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each morning. I say to myself, “The Lord is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in Him!” – Lamentations 3:21-24 NLT
After this reminder to his soul, Jeremiah began to recount the wonderful truths of God’s goodness and faithfulness. He remembered that the Lord is good to those who depend on Him and search for Him. That no one the Lord loves is abandoned by Him forever. That even during grief, God’s compassion shines through because of the greatness of His unfailing love.
Often as I’ve read the Old Testament, I’ve noticed similarities between Israel then and America today. But a better comparison would be between God’s people then and God’s people today. It is not the nation of America that has turned its back on God, it is the Church that has failed. God blessed us with the opportunity to live in the freest nation on earth, yet we failed to use that freedom to exalt Him and make Him known. We sat back passively as evil permeated our society then one day we woke up shocked to see it had overtaken us.
Even when all hope seems lost, it is never too late.
Jeremiah understood that both calamity and good come from the Lord. He knew that His people needed to take a long hard look at themselves and return to the Lord. They needed to lift their hearts and hands to God in heaven and acknowledge their sin and rebellion.
As we lament the ugliness around us, we must remember like Jeremiah did that God will hear and answer when we turn back to Him. No matter how terrible things had gotten for Israel, the Lord was always ready to rescue and redeem His people when they called on His name.
But I called on Your name, Lord, from deep within the pit. You heard me when I cried, “Listen to my pleading! Hear my cry for help! Yes, You came when I called; You told me, “Do not fear.” – Lamentations 3:55-57 NLT
God is still faithful! It is not too late for God’s people to turn back to Him with our whole hearts. It is not too late to make Him known. It is not too late for the Body of Christ to be unified and on mission for God.
Jesus is coming back for us. Let’s be busy about our Father’s business when He comes.
