Jeremiah 8:19-22 Behold the voice of the cry of the daughter of my people because of them that dwell in a far country: Isnot the LORD in Zion? is not her king in her? Why have they provoked me to anger with their graven images, and with strange vanities? The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved. For the hurt of the daughter of my people am I hurt; I am black; astonishment hath taken hold on me. Is there no balm in Gilead; is there no physician there? why then is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered?

The people are crying, but not over their sin. They have little food. The Babylonian army is destroying everything in its path. Jeremiah is crying. Jeremiah is speaking God’s message to the people and speaking to God on behalf of the people. Though God is a God of mercy and grace, the problem is with the people. Even though they are in deep straits, they refused to repent of their evil ways, and they refused to give up their idols. God, with “Healing in His wings” was ready to heal, but the people had rejected Him. God would allow them to face the consequences of their backsliding and rebellion. Jerusalem would soon be destroyed.

Over 600 years later, Jesus was riding a colt down the Mount of Olives as a number of disciples worshipped Him. As Jesus approached the city He wept over it (Luke 19:42-44). Jesus knew that He would be rejected and put to death by the people He was weeping over. Because they rejected their only hope of salvation, killing the Prince of Life, God would allow them to face the consequences of their rebellion. Jerusalem would be destroyed again in 70 AD.

What can we learn about God from this?

1.        God is compassionate. He loves His people. He is weeping, too. However, He doesn’t allow His compassion to keep Him from punishing evil.

2.        God hates sin and rebellion.

3.        God will not allow Himself to be ignored or rejected.

4.        God follows through on His promises and judgments.

As Christians we should be enjoying with gladness the life that God has given us – The Abundant Life. Sin brings with it sorrow and destruction. If we immediately repent and weep over our sin, we may not have to weep over the consequences of our sin.



Ron Cox – Director of HOPE Ministry