The Grands Letter (Lam/GLJ)

on March 6, 2023 3:55 am (CST)
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Dear Grands,

Lamentations 1:1-6, “How lonely sits the city that was full of people! She has
become like a widow who was once great among the nations! She who was a
princess among the provinces has become a forced laborer!
2 She weeps bitterly in the night and her tears are on her cheeks; she has none
to comfort her among all her lovers. All her friends have dealt treacherously with
her; they have become her enemies.
3 Judah has gone into exile under affliction and under harsh servitude; she dwells
among the nations, but she has found no rest; all her pursuers have overtaken her
in the midst of distress.
4 The roads of Zion are in mourning because no one comes to the appointed feasts.
All her gates are desolate; her priests are groaning, her virgins are afflicted, and she
herself is bitter.
5 Her adversaries have become her masters, her enemies prosper; for the LORD
has caused her grief because of the multitude of her transgressions; her little ones
have gone away as captives before the adversary.
6 All her majesty has departed from the daughter of Zion; her princes have become
like deer that have found no pasture; and they have fled without strength before the
pursuer.”

One of the sweet memories I have of the past is hearing my mother speak of how her
father physically disciplined her and her brothers. He was an unsually tender-hearted
man, who cried profusely throughout ordeal. He “felt” the pain of his discipline because
he loved his children.

This Lamentation is the merciful cry of the LORD concerning Jerusalem’s third siege
and ultimate fall. It’s akin to our feelings when an historic building is demolished due
to age and irreparable deterioration. But buldings can be replaced; lives cannot be.

Human lives that ignore the loving goodness of the LORD will also deteriorate unless
they are repaired through prayer and the loving touch of our Heavenly Father. We weep
when we see human lives, abundant with talent, spiral downward because of the neglect
of parents, teachers, preachers, and close friends. Yet, do we pray for them? Do we
reach out to help them? Sadly, some of the most neglected are the very ones who
neglect others when they were able to assist them in their need.

An ounce of time for a whisper of concern, and a meaningful smile often means more
than we will ever know. Let’s allow Lamentations to work its meaning on us. Let’s
determine to help someone this week realise that Jesus cares—and He is our Friend.

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

(Dado III)

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.
Springdale, Arkansas 72764
United States of America

“We never know that Christ is all we need until He becomes all that we have.” – Corrie ten Boom

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