Punishment for Sins Laid Bare

Text: Lamentations 4:1-22

Reflection and Question: There were no cameras of any sort around 550 BC when the Babylonian Empire conquered Jerusalem. Instead, poets like this one drew images with words that astonish and revolt us: “The hands of compassionate women have boiled their own children; they became their food in the destruction of my people.” This treatment is not what we expect from our loving God. Yet here it is. And still, the promise remains, “The punishment of your iniquity, O daughter of Zion, is accomplished, God will keep you in exile no longer.” How do you respond to the horrible suffering that exists near and far?

Prayer: call upon You, for You will answer me, O God; incline Your ear to me, hear my words. Wondrously show Your love, O Savior of those who seek refuge. Guide me as the apple of Your eye; hide me in the shadow of Your wings. Amen.

This meditation is based on the Daily Lectionary Year 1 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).