Lamentations - Man of Sorrows

In the book of Lamentations Jeremiah is still weeping. Only now, he's weeping HARDER! You see Jerusalem has been completely destroyed. Listen to the first few verses in the book of Lamentations:

DESTRUCTION/WRATH b/c of sin

1. “How doth the city sit solitary (alone) that was full of people...”
2. “...none to comfort”

5. Why is she (Jerusalem) in affliction? Because of the “multitude of her transgressions.”

8. Not just a few sins and repentance but “Jerusalem hath grievously sinned”
9. Not only that but her sins are called “filthy...” so much so that there is “no comforter...”

16. Why does Jeremiah continue to weep? All of the above

If you saw your house, your things, pictures, special letters/writings like in a journal – EVERYTHING gone but the clothes on your back – literally your entire life go up in flames, how would you feel?

19. Further, as previously noted, there is NO one to comfort you – no momma, no preacher, no favorite aunt, uncle, grandparent, sister, brother... NO ONE

2.1-3 The Lord's wrath is certain when one sins w/o repentance and (v9) there is no law or vision to guide a people.

Remember, tears are a gift of God and a source of healing.

But to “lament” as noted in this book is a deeper grief – it means “expression of sorrow; cries of grief; the act of bewailing.”

In other words, one is so upset with grief over an event, whether the death of a dear loved one or wrong doing of oneself or another, that the emotion comes out in a groan, usually loud wailing.

Grief that “restores a sacred dignity to human suffering.”

Grief that gives expression to such deep sorrow and suffering.

But there is MERCY: Read on

3.1 “He hath hedged me about that I cannot get out...” Being hedged “in” is a good thing – not confining because it also means that the enemy can't see you or get to you.

Jeremiah was spared because he was faithful and true to the Lord

Then there are these blessed words:

3.21-23 “This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope.

It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.”

It is understood tears, weeping and sorrow are not a “happy” subject. But the Lord, by way of this book, wants us to understand the deepest pain and grief are sometimes necessary, even helpful when it is done. As I slowly read the poem in front of you – take a ribbon and weave it around the edges finishing with the end underneath the picture. You may also color around it if you like.

The Master Weaver

My life is but a weaving between my Lord and me. I cannot choose the colors He worketh steadily.
Oft times he weaveth sorrow and I in foolish pride forget He sees the upper and I the underside.
Not till the loom is silent and the shuttle ceases to fly shall God unroll the canvas and explain the reason why. The dark threads are as needful In the Weaver's skillful hand As the threads of gold and silver in the pattern He has planned.

Illustrative story for Lamentations:

James loves to play football. Most days he is able to toss the ball around with his buddy, Michael. But one day Michael is not at the ball field at the appointed time. James waits an hour or so past the time they are to meet then goes home. When he arrives home, his mom tells him Michael's dad called to say that Michael had taken ill and was rushed to the hospital. Of course, James is upset and concerned but is sure Michael will be alright. Michael is always ready to toss the ball, run laps around the ball field or climb to James' tree house and talk about their day.

However, before James goes to bed, there is another call: Michael's aunt called to let James and his family know that Michael was gone. The illness that came on him so suddenly, also, took his life.

Gone! How can that be? They were running around and playing just yesterday. Michael was laughing and winning the race around the ball field. How can he be gone?

James climbs to his tree house and wants to cry. But is unable to because he would look like a sissy. James refuses to eat, can't sleep, his stomach hurts and he just wants to be left alone. One day, after a long while he begins to think about his friend. He remembers all the fun times they had. He climbs back to his tree house and he begins to sob with deep, mournful, moaning sounds that he feels no one could ever understand.

When there are no more tears, James looks up to notice the evening sun peeping through the trees. It had rained earlier in the day and there were still water drops on the leaves. James notices how fresh and clean everything looks. He notices the cool breeze. Even the sun, sinking toward night time is beautiful, for the first time in a long time, he feels at peace.

Then, he recalls the tears and realizes his stomach feels better. (remember tears are a gift of God for healing) He is hungry and is looking forward to supper and a good nights sleep. This time, when he thinks of his friend, it is with a calmness that the Heavenly Father knew what He was doing when he called Michael home. At least Michael didn't have to suffer long. At least Michael knew a healthy body while the two boys were playing. At least, James got to keep his friend for a little while.

Although we can't know all the whys of the sorrows in our lives – we can know that “the Master Weaver” has a plan to use these things to make something beautiful in each and every believer.

Your job is to submit to the bad stuff as well as the good and know “the Master Weaver”

3.21-23 (gives) hope. And to lay hold of this truth...

It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.”