Dealing with the Consequences

 

    When we sin, there is always consequences.  Generational sin can have long lasting consequences.  When Jerusalem ignored God over several generations, they were exiled from the promised land.  That was horrible, but what happened after?  Once they were in exile, they had to accept and deal with their new reality.  What did that look like?  This is a record of the laments to God.

    Jerusalem laid empty, burned, and desolate once the people had been taken away.  It was not a time of rest because she was left in such a horrible state of uncleanliness.  She became despised and a mockery.  She no longer looked like a representation of God.  It was left in shame, defilement, desecration, and famine once God's house burned. 

    Jerusalem is also the people.  They were stained from sin.  They lived filthy lives and it cost them everything that they cherished.  They could not withstand God's anger or rejection as they lost the cherished city and became homeless.  They wept, but found no comfort and their hearts grew faint.  They were left to their memories.

    They never really thought it was possible.  It was grievous awakening.  They traded their valuables for food.  Their loss mounts up to abundance, allies, a home, happiness, prestige, courage, and worship.  It leaves a sickness in the heart.  It leaves mental and emotional distress.  However, until they learned to truly turn from God, He would not appear to be listening.

Lamentations 1