10/29/12
Sometimes I gain insight as I muse scripture interrogatively. That might sound
like a mouthful, but it usually means that I follow the BSF (Bible Study
Fellowship) line of questioning as I ponder a passage of scripture. In 2004, at
“The Cove” (Billy Graham Leadership Training Center) Anne Graham Lotz taught me
to ask these questions when meditating on scripture.
- What does it say? (Facts listed is the way I see this first step.)
- What does it mean? (A comprehensive, in context, going deeper approach.)
- What does it mean to me? (Sort of a how can I apply it to my life approach. A James 1:22-25 reminder to be a “doer” of the word.)
The hearts of the people cry out to the Lord. You walls of Daughter Zion, let your tears flow like a river day and night; give yourself no relief, your eyes no rest. Arise, cry out in the night, as the watches of the night begin; pour out your heart like water in the presence of the Lord. Lift up your hands to him for the lives of your children, who faint from hunger at every street corner. (Lamentations 2:18-19)
This passage was a hard one
for me. From previous verses, I know that beautiful Jerusalem had seen great
destruction. Destruction in every area of their lives---physical, mental and
spiritual. The prophet Jeremiah was crying out to them. I can only imagine his
frustration and drained emotions as he wept for †he Jews. But God had brought
this destruction upon them because of their unfaithfulness as a nation.
I sensed pain as I read this
and wondered about the starvation and hunger at every street corner. From the
context it seems as if it was mainly physical hunger. But could there have been
a spiritual starvation present as well?
Though difficult for me to
understand, I knew immediately that I could apply this passage to my life by
calling out to God. Prayer for my own town and my own nation, where many are
starving both physically and spiritually, was my answer. But more than that, I
can pick up that envelope off my kitchen table, the one for the Union Mission at 383 Poplar, and send in a
donation toward meals for the homeless.
I was encouraged to read in verse 20, that Jeremiah called out to God once again. So there’s another example
to follow---perseverance in prayer.
Continue to ask God questions
about this “hard” passage throughout the week. He’ll show you the answers He
has---answers just for you.
