Lamentations 1:1-2:22 + Philemon 1:1-25 + Psalm 101:1-8 + Proverbs 26:20
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Old Testament – Today we begin the book of Lamentations! Lamentations is a short 5 chapter book. It’s essentially a post-script to the book of Jeremiah, and was likely written by the prophet Jeremiah. It is a book that surveys and laments Jerusalem and the Temple after the destruction of both by the Babylonians in about 586 B.C. A wonderful commentary on the book of Lamentations by Donald Curtis titled “The Fall of Jerusalem” is at this link – surf about 2/3rds the way down this page to get a good chapter by chapter overview of Lamentations – and to dive into info on the acrostics, etc.
~ Lamentations ~
Author: Jeremiah
Date: Sixth century B.C.
Content: The book of Lamentations is a funeral song, written for the fallen city of Jerusalem. It was composed by Jeremiah, who was an eye-witness of all he describes in such vivid detail. He shows the destruction in all its horror so that it could never again be asked, “Why did no one ever tell us the awful price we would have to pay for disobeying God?” There is very little of comfort, but Jeremiah’s prayer in chapter 5 does look beyond the desolate ashes of the once glorious Jerusalem to God whose throne endures forever. Only there can Jeremiah find any solace.
Theme: Lamentations is a declaration of the wrath of God. It portrays the bitter truth that God had promised judgment upon sin, and Judah had been foolish enough to put God to the test. Bad as that was, the deeper tragedy was that it did not have to be. God’s faithfulness is great, being renewed every morning, and his compassion never fails. Had Judah only obeyed, it all could have been avoided. The warning and the promise found in this book should be emblazoned in the skies for all to see. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers “The One Year Bible Companion” pp. 13-14) Below is an engraving by Gustaf Dore of these Lamentations of Jeremiah…
Lamentations chapter 1 verse 1 sets the tone & stage for this book – “Jerusalem’s streets, once bustling with people, are now silent. Like a widow broken with grief, she sits alone in her mourning. Once the queen of nations, she is now a slave.” Why is this so? Well, we just read the book of the prophet Jeremiah, so we know why… One thing to keep in mind when reading Lamentations – it provides a glimpse at the devastating affects of unchecked & unrepentant sin. Per this verse above, do you think our sin change our position in life from being a “queen” to a “slave”?
I think it is important to realize that God did provide so much grace and compassion toward Jerusalem and Judah in the book of Jeremiah before everything got to the devastating point that it is in the book of Lamentations. God sent the prophet Jeremiah to warn Judah over and over and over again…. However, there was no repentance of sin and things got worse and worse – until it got to the point that God had no choice but to discipline Judah through Babylon’s taking Judah captive. We do need to know that unrepentant, unsorrowful, unchecked sin in our lives can lead to horrifically sorrowful things happening in our lives. And perhaps, by us hitting a rock bottom, like Jerusalem clearly is here in Lamentations, there will be an opportunity for discipline and ultimate redemption…
Today in Lamentations 1:14 we read: “My sins have been bound into a yoke; by his hands they were woven together. They have come upon my neck and the Lord has sapped my strength. He has handed me over to those I cannot withstand.” Do you believe that sin can become a “yoke” around your neck? Can sin sap your strength? Can sin hand you over to those you cannot withstand? How can you be freed from this yoke of sin? Perhaps these words from Jesus in Matthew 11:28-30 will give us some ideas – “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” If there is a yoke of sin around your neck, will you allow Jesus to remove that yoke? Will you exchange the yoke of sin for the yoke of rest that Christ offers you today?
Perhaps Lamentations chapter 2, verses 18 & 19, give us a hint at what we should do if we realize we’ve hit a rock bottom place in our lives due to unchecked sin – “Cry aloud before the Lord, O walls of Jerusalem! Let your tears flow like a river. Give yourselves no rest from weeping day or night. Rise during the night and cry out. Pour out your hearts like water to the Lord. Lift up your hands to him in prayer.” If you are at that place of rock bottom, or nearing it, will you cry to the Lord? Will you pour out your heart to the Lord letting him know that you need him – that you cannot do life without him? Will you pray?
Bible Project: Here is a terrific video overview of the book of Lamentations!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p8GDFPdaQZQ
New Testament – Today we read Paul’s letter to Philemon!
~ Philemon ~
Author: Paul the apostle
Place: Rome
Date: A.D. 60 or 61
Content: A slave named Onesimus, who was owned by a Christian in Colosse named Philemon, had run away, ultimately making his way to Rome. Here he heard the gospel from Paul and became a believer. This letter was written by Paul to encourage Philemon to take Onesimus back, this time as more than a servant, indeed, as a Christian brother. There is a play on words in verse 11 where Paul says that now Onesimus (the word means “useful”) will in fact be Onesimus – useful both to Philemon and the ministry.
Theme: This short book is quite important in many ways. Two things stand out. First, we see the way in which the gospel worked. No one is beyond the reach of God. If anyone will trust in Jesus, he will become a new person. Second, the ancient barriers of class hatred are being broken down by the gospel – Philemon and Onesimus are now Christian brothers. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers “The One Year Bible Companion” pp. 30-31) A great overview of the book of Philemon by Daniel B. Wallace is at this link.
Verse 4 stands out to me in Philemon today – “I always thank God when I pray for you, Philemon…” How often do we tell our family or friends that we thank God for them? How often do we tell them that we pray for them? How often do we actually do both of these things?
Bible Project: Here is a terrific video overview of the book of Philemon!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aW9Q3Jt6Yvk
Psalms – Psalm 101 is a great Psalm of David today! Great verses, all of them. I like verse 3 – “I will refuse to look at anything vile and vulgar.” This seems to be a bit tougher and tougher to adhere to in our modern world where pornography is getting more and more into the mainstream. But, it is such a beautiful and true Psalm of David for us to adhere to! Do you refuse to look at anything vile and vulgar? Do you avoid watching TV shows, reading magazines or papers, or going to see movies where you know you’ll end up looking at things vile & vulgar? Don’t get me wrong – I’m not saying avoid watching all TV, reading all mags & papers or avoid all movies. I’m just saying that there are some of these forms of media that we know in advance that what they “sell” us will be vile and vulgar. Why would we “buy” that garbage? Refuse to look at it. Don’t give it one inch of power over you! (or your kids!)
A portion of verse 2 stood out to me today – “I will lead a life of integrity in my own home.” This is powerful. How often do we have integrity outside of our home – but then not display integrity within our own home? Think this is healthy? Should we strive for leading a life of integrity within our own home?
Proverbs – Proverbs 26:20 is another excellent reminder to not gossip – and when you stop, the gossip stops. Interesting how that works… “Fire goes out for lack of fuel, and quarrels disappear when gossip stops.” Are you fueling any quarrels due to gossip these days? Will you stop being the fuel for that fire so that the fire can finally go out?
Worship Video: Today’s readings in Psalms remind me of the Paul Baloche song “Above All,” sung here by Michael W. Smith:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PtS7UuNI2Vk
Is God above all else in your life? Click here to meet the One above all!
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “I will set before my eyes no vile thing. The deeds of faithless men I hate; they will not cling to me. “ Psalm 101:3 (NIV)
Prayer Point: Pray that you do not set your eyes upon any vile thing. Pray that deeds of faithless people will not cling to you. Pray that you will not follow the ways of faithless people in any way, shape or form. Pray that you will only follow Jesus.
Comments from you – What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings? Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!
God bless,
Mike
p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Bible readings at this link.
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BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS:
“>>Do you believe that sin can become a “yoke” around your neck? Can sin sap your strength? Can sin hand you over to those you cannot withstand?>>
This is not the first reference in the Bible where “sin” and/or “sins” are seen as something that entraps and entangles because it has substance. I believe sin gives birth to its own rewards. It is not so much God punishing us for our sins but the consequences, the fruition of our acts catching up with us. In other books, sin is seen as producing cords that entangle us.
Some sat in darkness and in the shadow of death, being bound in affliction and in irons, [Luke 1:79.] Because they had rebelled against the words of God and spurned the counsel of the Most High. (Psalms 107:10-11 AMP)
And if they be bound in fetters, and be holden in cords of affliction; Then he showeth them their work, and their transgressions that they have exceeded. (Job 36:8-9 KJV)
His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins. (Proverbs 5:22 KJV)
Woe unto them that draw iniquity with cords of vanity, and sin as it were with a cart rope: (Isaiah 5:18 KJV)
Just as the Apostle Paul wrote about Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) there is also a fruit of sin; just as there is an outgrowth from righteousness, there is also consequences of sin, a by-product. If we can visualize sin having cords that bind us and those around us then those same cords can be woven to make a yoke to not only enslave us but also to confine us in a straitjacket.
Grace and peace,
Ramona
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As I read Lamentations this morning, I kept thinking about how God did and will fulfill His warnings and His promises. We are reading about past history here but we are also reading about future destruction to come. God gave his people warning after warning, sign after sign, and chance after chance to change their ways and turn to Him. As we search out the prophesies of the Last Days, we again find God giving us warning after warning, sign after sign and chance after chance to accept Christ before the final destruction of life and earth as we know it. It may be tomorrow or next year or a thousand years from now but it is coming just as sure as the fall of Judah came as prophesied. We don’t know when it will come but we do know that each day brings it closer. When the final destruction comes there will be no second chance. Just as God cleansed the earth from sin during the flood of Noah, and cleansed the nation of Judah during the fall of Jerusalem, God will again cleanse this earth through the final destruction of the earth and heavens as we know them and replace them with a new earth and heaven. The funeral song (lamentation) sung on that day will be the last funeral song ever sung. Where are we really in our relationship with Christ and what are we doing to minister to those we love?
God Bless!
Pat
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The opening of Lamentations echoed in my mind as the words of a song, so I dug into the older CDs in my collection.
Adrian Snell has a beautiful haunting song entitled “Lament For Jerusalem (How Deserted Lies The City)” on an album from 1989 entitled “Song of an Exile”. The lyrics are from Lamentations and Isaiah. The theme of songs, poems and scripture passages on the album relate to the holocaust.
For me, Adrian Snell captures and expresses some of the agony of the Jewish people in their experiences of exile and persecution through the centuries.
Andrew
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Proverbs today … about the reminder why we should not gossip . There is a quote I often think of and it is Gossip is the ” Devil’s Radio ”
I have this sin in my life with dealing with a friend … she repeatly says things that hurt me , critical in nature and then I repeat the hurt feeling to my husband . My problem to solve …. but yet I do not solve it .
1 I can confront my friend each time she is so critical it hurts my feeling .
2, I can keep my distance from her.
3. I can pray to God for directions in how to deal with situation .
4. I need to ask … what am I getting out of gossiping about my friend to my husbamd ? ?
I really think we all would be much better off if we would do less talking.
Any comments to me … about my problem greatly appreciated .
Rebe
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Today in Psalm 101:3, this verse really stood out for me.
Psalm 101:3 (Amplified Bible)
I will set no base or wicked thing before my eyes. I hate the work of them who turn aside [from the right path]; it shall not grasp hold of me.
Firstly, it is not he wicked that we hate, it is the work of the wicked.
Secondly, what a great declaration for us to make! Even if you do not struggle specifically in any area, we are not beyond being tempted.
These verses in Titus 2:11-12, give us the answer, it is the grace of God that trains us. How blessed we are! We have the Blessed Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Grace. As we do all to stand He will empower us, teach us, lead us and guide us. Think about how blessed we are!
Titus 2:11-12 (Amplified Bible)
11For the grace of God (His unmerited favor and blessing) has come forward (appeared) for the deliverance from sin and the eternal salvation for all mankind.
12It has trained us to reject and renounce all ungodliness (irreligion) and worldly (passionate) desires, to live discreet (temperate, self-controlled), upright, devout (spiritually whole) lives in this present world,
Wendy
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Mike and everyone,
I read a sermon today called Real Men Needed (Psalm 101:1-8) by Bruce Pratt at Cornerstone Christian Fellowship.
Pastor Pratt says:
“The world needs more real men.
Men not afraid to praise the Lord and tell others about Him;
Men of integrity who live their faith out in private and public, who love their families, and want to see their sons and daughters live out that same faith;
Men who see the lures of this world as childish and totally not worth even a passing glance.”
Psalm 101:2-3,6 Amplified Bible
2 I will behave wisely and follow the way of integrity. When will You come to me? I will walk in my house in integrity and with a blameless heart.
3 I will set no worthless or wicked thing before my eyes. I hate the practice of those who fall away [from the right path]; It will not grasp hold of me.
6 My eyes will be on the faithful (honorable) of the land, that they may dwell with me; He who walks blamelessly is the one who will minister to and serve me.
Heavenly Father, I pray that You will call and equip more men and women in this world to live unreservedly for You and for Your Truth.
May You in Your grace and mercy continue to use this One Year Bible Blog, to spread Your Truth to the far corners of the earth,
may You remember Mike, encourage him, continue to give him spiritual wisdom and understanding as he serves You and serves people through this blog.
praying all in Jesus’ Name, amen.
Sincerely,
Joyce
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Ramona I would not put sin in as a fruit. The
Fruit of the spirit is a gift upon receiving the Holy Spirit . The sin is something we allow or bring on which is not of God and separates us from God
Jane
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Lamentation reminds me of how sometimes I feel the sadness of the decadent world around me. God is grieved beyond what Jeremiah could express here. It helps to know my sin also grieves Him the same way. Paul demonstrates so much wisdom in his letter. He was humble and earnest in his asking and it shows his love and compassion for his fellow men. So much can be learned as a leader.
Karen
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Paul mentions how Onesimus was useless before, but he is now very useful because he is a follower of Christ and a brother to the other believers. Likewise, our lives can be made meaningful by Christ’s plan and our trust and obedience.
Richie
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Lamentations 1:16
Sin…the word itself says it all. The letter “I” is perfectly placed in the middle. Me, my, selfish and singular. It’s purpose separates us from God. And, breaks His heart and should break our hearts too.
16 “For these things I weep;
my eyes flow with tears;
for a comforter is far from me,
one to revive my spirit;
my children are desolate,
for the enemy has prevailed.”
Love David and his ability to worship and be vulnerable & real with God. His tangible relationship with his heart and words of action.
Ps. 101
1 I will sing of steadfast love and justice;
to you, O Lord, I will make music.
2 I will ponder the way that is blameless.
Oh when will you come to me?
Shalom 🙂
Imja
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I will be careful to live a blameless life—
when will you come to help me?
I will lead a life of integrity in my own home.
I will refuse to look at anything vile and vulgar.
I hate all who deal crookedly;
I will have nothing to do with them.
I will reject perverse ideas and stay away from every evil.
I will not tolerate people who slander their neighbors.
I will not endure conceit and pride.
I will search for faithful people
to be my companions.
Only those who are above reproach will be allowed to serve me.
So much is in this Psalm. With the Holy Spirit’s help I will endeavor to lead a blameless life. With integrity. How I live when no one is looking. Remembering that God sees me always. Can’t hide anything from Him. To not look at anything vile or vulgar. This hits on what I watch for entertainment. So much is not God honoring. I need to be diligent in this because it affects my walk. What I hear or see stays with me. If I learn that someone is not trustworthy I will no longer deal with them. I depend on the Holy Spirit to guide me in this. This includes slander, conceit, pride. If they talk about others, surely they are talking about me. I will search for believers that follow the Lord & His ways. The kind of friends that come along side when times are tough. I have been blessed thru the years with these kinds of friends. I strive to be that kind of friend. I praise God how He has led me in my walk with Him. Never leaving me. Blessed.
Nancy
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I love being in two new sections of the bible: lamentations and philemon. Sweet verses and some sad one..but both insightful
Psalm ..I will verses..are good
Proverbs so true..if you told tell a tale it will die. Amen
Dee
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