◄ What Does Lamentations 3:32 Mean? ►

Jeremiah is often called 'the weeping prophet' for he was to prophecy to deaf ears and witness to blinded, callused hearts. But through all of his long and faithful ministry, he was (like the Lord Jesus) despised and rejected of men, a man of sorrows, and acquainted with much grief.

And despite calling the nation of Israel to repent of their sins and return to the Lord, he wept over Jerusalem when he witnessed the fulfilment of his own prophecies from God; the ruination of Jerusalem, the destruction of the Temple, and slavery for God's people in the land of Babylon.

The nation had disobeyed the Lord, ignored His commands, and turned to false idols. Israel had turned its back on God. The virgin daughter of Jerusalem had been disgraced due to their persistent sin and blatant spiritual adultery.

And yet, right in the middle of Jeremiah's lamentation, we discover that the Lord's mercies are not consumed. The grace of God is never terminated because His compassion never fails, His tender mercy and loving-kindness are new every morning: "Even though He may permit suffering, He will show compassion according to His abundant and faithful love."

This passage in Lamentations gives great reassurance to the nation of Israel that God will one day fulfil the promises He made to their forefathers. And it is also an amazing comfort to all His children and especially to the Church, which is the Body of Christ, for even when we make wrong choices and discredit the name of our Lord, He will show us compassion. Even when we walk in carnality or drift away from our first love through disinterest or sin, He remains true to His Word.

But we also have the assurance that even if we are walking in holiness, as was Jeremiah, and are called to suffer for righteousness' sake, we KNOW that He will never leave us nor forsake us, for He is true to His Word.

Thank You, Father, that if and when suffering crosses my path, whether through my disobedience or because I am called upon by You to suffer for Christ's sake, Your mercies are not consumed and Your compassion never fails according to Your abundant and faithful love. Praise You, Lord. In Jesus' name, AMEN.