Scripture Union Daily Guide 19th November 2020 Today’s Message
TOPIC: Despised And Forsaken
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Opening Prayer: As I read through this passage dear Lord, let your word bring transformation to my life.
INTRODUCTION TO LAMENTATIONS
Lamentations are mourning songs describing the heartbroken grief of the Jews because of the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple, and the enslavement of their nation by the Babylonians. It is a mourning of the glory that once belonged to God’s people but was thrown away. Orthodox Jews normally read the entire book every year at the anniversary of the destruction of the Temple of Solomon. The author is believed to be Jeremiah, the weeping prophet (Jeremiah 9:1). He was one of the prophets who brought God’s warnings to Judah, consistently persuading them to turn away from sin or face God’s punishment. However, these warnings fell on deaf ears and eventually, God struck hard on his people. Jeremiah himself was an eye witness of the destruction of Jerusalem (Jeremiah 39). The lesson of Lamentations is that God punishes sin and covenant–breaking rebellion severely. However, there is hope if we return to the Lord in full repentance.
Scripture: Lamentations 1:1-22
Reflection
• What does the passage teach about God the Father, God the Son or God the Holy Spirit?
• Is there any example for me to follow or not to follow?
• Is there any warning for me to heed?
The title of this book describes its content, i.e. cries of anguish, grief and sorrow. The author captures the sorrowful state that God’s people are in. What has led them to such a state? See v.3, 8, 14, 18 and 22 for a clue. From the following verses, pick out the words that describe the contrast between the earlier state and the present state of God’s people: vv.1–5; 6–10; 11–15 and 16–22. What a sad and sorrowful state, that God’s people are deserted, despised and rejected by God because of sin (see Isaiah 59:1–2). Notice that in such a state, there is no one who can bring comfort (vv.2, 7, 9, 16, 17 and 21)! How does this reality compare with your life? Are there things ─ actions, behaviour, attitude, thoughts, etc. ─ that can make the Lord reject, despise or forsake you? The Lord is faithful and righteous. He will never turn away anyone who recognizes their sins and confesses them (Isaiah 1:18; 1 John 1:8–9) Note that in spite of Judah’s rebellion, she still looked up to God as her only hope (vv.9c, 11c, 20–21). Where do you turn to when you are in devastating circumstances?
⁂ Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?
Practice/Word Application
• Thought: Leviticus 26:23–24
Hymn: Savior, lead me, lest I stra
1. Savior, lead me, lest I stray,
Gently lead me all the way;
I am safe when by Thy side,
I would in Thy love abide.
Refrain
Lead me, lead me, Savior, lead me lest I stray;
Gently down the stream of time,
Lead me, Savior, all the way.
2. Thou the refuge of my soul
When life’s stormy billows roll;
I am safe when Thou art nigh,
All my hopes on Thee rely.
Prayer
• Ask the Lord to grant you a broken and contrite heart (Psalm 51:17).
• Pray against causes of climate change, war and other factors that could lead to famine and other disasters.
• Offer a prayer of faith in line with Psalm 41:13
Read the Bible in one Year
1 Chron. 28–29; Luke 4:31–44
READ: Joyce Meyer Devotional 19th November 2020 – God Does Not Reject You
Scripture Union Daily Guide 19th November 2020 – Scripture Union is an international, inter-denominational, evangelical Christian organization. It was founded in 1867, and works in partnership with individuals and churches across the world. The organization’s stated aim is to use the Bible to inspire children, young people and adults to know God.
