Warning as Mercy
While it may be tempting to turn to a book like Lamentations for a dose of consolation, if we listen carefully to the entire text, the scripture provides a severe warning to us through poetry crafted to break our hearts of stone. Rather than lamenting the destruction of that which is temporary and built by our own hands, the biblical writer laments Israel's disobedience.
Today's leaders are nearly spent. Many of our priests, parents, teachers, healthcare workers, and business leaders are pushed to do more with fewer resources. When will it end?
While it may be tempting to turn to a book like Lamentations for a dose of consolation, if we listen carefully to the entire text, the scripture warns us through poetry crafted to break our hearts of stone. Rather than lamenting the destruction of that which is temporary and built by our own hands, the biblical writer laments Israel's disobedience. Lamentations is merciful in its warning and is followed by Ezekiel's hope that God would grant a heart of flesh so that we might walk according to His commandments.