Lamentations 5, 19 – 22
Because of the length of the readings, we are only publishing the NRSV version. To read the King James Version, please click here
Something to read
But you, O Lord, reign for ever;
your throne endures to all generations.
Why have you forgotten us completely?
Why have you forsaken us these many days?
Restore us to yourself, O Lord, that we may be restored;
renew our days as of old —
unless you have utterly rejected us,
and are angry with us beyond measure.
Something to think about
The writer of Lamentations concludes his work with a question: ‘Why has God forgotten and rejected us?’ and a plea: ‘Restore us to yourself, O Lord.’
Given the utter desperation he has witnessed and recorded, these are understandable emotions. There is, though, the glimmer of hope. He understands that restoration is possible if God does it.
In Jesus Christ, we experience God’s restoration plan that he launched in Jesus, a plan to restore each one of us, our relationships, our societies and ultimately for the whole world.
And God forgets no one – as Jesus puts it: “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”
The care that God has for everyone drives Christian Aid to reach out to those who may have been forgotten by the world but will always be remembered by God.
Something to do
Put out some bread for the birds today and look out for them as they come to feed. As you do, remember Jesus’ words that each one of them is cared for by God. Then remember that God cares for you, and every single person in the world.
Something to read
Father God. Thank you for your care for me, for your care of my neighbour and for your care of the whole world.
Today’s contributor is David Muir, Christian Aid’s Senior Regional Co-ordinator for its London and South East region