Readings for today: Lamentations 3, Hebrews 1, Psalms 102, Proverbs 26:21-22
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. "The Lord is my portion," says my soul, "therefore I will hope in him." The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.” (Lamentations 3:22-26)
Some of the most precious words in all of Scripture are found in the most unlikely of places. Consider these verses from our reading today. They are the inspiration behind one of the greatest hymns in the Christian world. They are sung at funerals and in times of great sorrow as the people of God remind themselves of God’s promise. And yet, they come in the midst of a book full of unspeakable suffering and pain. Terrors on every side. God literally waging war on His people for their sin. God razing His city to the ground. Tearing His Temple down to its foundations. Lamentations is one of the hardest books for us to read much less understand. How could God treat His people in this way? How could God literally become our enemy? What does that say about us? What does it say about God?
There is constant theme running throughout all of Scripture. The world is fallen. It is not as it should be. All the pain and suffering, violence and evil was not part of God’s original design. It is the direct result of human rebellion. Humanity refuses to worship God in the way He deserves and the way He demands. Instead, we aspire to be gods ourselves. We want to be in control. We want to be in charge. We fight and claw for as much power and wealth and control as possible. The result? Our world groans under the weight of our sin. Sadly, we refuse to take responsibility, choosing instead to blame God for our mess. Yes, the world is fallen but the good news is that God has not abandoned her. He will not let His creation descend into chaos and self-destruction. He reaches out to the world over and over again. He sets apart a people to be His chosen instrument of blessing to the nations. He sends them prophets and priests and kings to lead them in the way of righteousness. His will is for them to herald His great love and faithfulness. Alas, they fail. Their sin gets in the way. They conform to the ways of this world and the result is destruction and exile.
The Bible would be a depressing book indeed except that a deeper and even grander theme emerges. The great faithfulness of God! Yes, this world is fallen but God is not done. Yes, things are not as they should be but God is making all things new. Yes, God’s original design has gone awry but God will not let go. God will have the worship He deserves and demands and so He sends His Son. He reveals Himself in all His glory in Jesus. His steadfast love and faithfulness takes on flesh and blood. His mercies take on human form. And those who wait for the Lord will find Him. Those who look to the Messiah will find salvation. They do not hope in vain for God is faithful to Himself. He is true to His own character. He is not like us. He does not lie. He does not change His mind. His love is eternal. His mercies renewed every morning. His grace amazing. His faithfulness is indeed great!
Readings for tomorrow: Lamentations 4-5, Hebrews 2, Psalms 103, Proverbs 26:23