God’s Destruction of Jerusalem

This meditation is based on a passage for March 31, 2010 in the Daily Lectionary Year 2 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).

Text: Lamentations 2:1-9

Reflection and Question: Readings from this short book of poetry are fitting for these days prior to Jesus’ trial and crucifixion. Just as the fall of Jerusalem was unthinkable because God had promised to sustain the seat of the Davidic kings forever, it was unthinkable that the Son of God, God incarnate, would need to suffer and die. And the answer to questions from the faithful is the same in both moments: this is God’s doing. The poet hammers home that God is the actor, using the power of Babylon, and so keeps the believers connected to God. In the shoes of this poet how would you feel?

Prayer: Holy Spirit, the poet from so long ago laments that the “prophets obtain no vision from God.” We can join in the sorrow and fear that comes when Your Word falls silent among Your people. Stay near. Inspire us to know and do Your will. Amen