How hath the Lord covered the daughter of Zion with a cloud in his anger, and cast down from heaven unto the earth the beauty of Israel, and remembered not his footstool in the day of his anger! (Lamentations 2:1)


Most times, people complain of their calamities and wonder why such fate should befall them. But they rarely beam their searchlight on their iniquities that may have attracted God’s displeasure. Many times also, circumstances that are blamed on the devil are direct consequences of man's actions and inactions.

Prophet Jeremiah saw the poor spiritual state of the children of Israel. Their calamities came suddenly and such afflictions were allowed by God Himself. The prophet reminds us that it is just with God to cast down those who debase themselves by sin. With the special favours God bestowed upon Israel, they still dishonoured Him. They even misused His prophets. These sinful acts became painful to the almighty God, and He decided to visit them with miseries.

In the text, God is identified as the One who has worked against Jacob (Israel) and Judah in the time of their apostasy. He was the One who poured out judgment upon the people. Because they had rebelled against the will of God, they fell into His hands, and thus experienced His wrath. The temple was torn down by the Babylonians. The religious symbol in which they had so much pride was taken away. God brought the strength of Israel to a close. The glorious temple of stones and glamour was swept away. The civil head of state and the religious leaders were terminated. The identity of the nation was taken away; thus, Israel could no longer be identified as an independent state. 

Like Israel of old that bragged about their beauty, many people today go against the law of God because of their beauty, thinking that they will not pay for their acts of indiscretion. Please, do not play games with God any more. Whatsoever you sow, you will surely reap. Beware!

MEDITATION
You can't do wrong and get by

by: Pastor W.F. Kumuyi