Jeremiah’s book closes with a recounting of the final destruction of Jerusalem in 586 B.C. and the capture and punishment of King Zedekiah of Judah by the Babylonians. This transitions right into the book of Lamentations, which many believe was also written by Jeremiah although we can’t be 100 percent sure. Lamentations is just as the name describes, a poetic lamentation responding to the destruction of Jerusalem.
As we read the recounting of the destruction of Jerusalem and the incredible sorrow it brought it should certainly move us. Jerusalem, the one who was once a princess, is now a slave (Lam. 1:1). Priests and prophets perish in the street seeking food (1:19) the sword worked destruction in the streets (1:20). In response to the hungry in the streets and fainting children the author recounts, “My eyes are spent with weeping; my stomach churns; my bile is poured out to the ground” (2:11). Beyond this, both young and old lay dead in the streets (2:21).
The destruction of Jerusalem was a horrible thing. Yet, we must remember that it was the Lord’s work in response to the people’s sin. Jeremiah pleaded with the people again and again, other prophets pleaded with the people, Jeremiah had even pleaded with Zedekiah to submit himself to Nebuchadnezzar. None of them listened. The resulting destruction that is so vividly recounted in Lamentations is the direct result of the people’s rejection of the Lord and His prophets.
I oftentimes wonder if people were able to forecast the consequences of their sin if that would change the decisions they make. If King Zedekiah had known the full story, that Jerusalem would be captured, that his eyes would be put out, and the last thing he would see is the slaughter of his sons, would he have responded differently to the word of the Lord? Another great example comes from looking back at the life of King David. If he’d have known all the consequences of his sin with Bathsheba would that not have been a great deterrent?
I try and think this way in my own life at times. First and foremost, it’s important to remember that sin grieves the heart of God, and our first aim should be to live a life that is pleasing to Him in light of all His goodness towards us. However, at times, it might also be helpful to forecast some of the ugly consequences of sin. If we choose to disobey, we can be forgiven, but we might still face natural consequences to our sin that we never imagined. Considering the potential consequences beforehand is I believe one thing we can do to fight temptation in this life. Surely, this was part of Jeremiah’s prophetic ministry as he warned again and again of impending destruction. Perhaps we can think this way in our own lives, and use this as a tool, in addition to other things, to fight temptation in our lives.
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