Out of the Ashes - Lamentations - Calvary Bible Church

Lamentations: Out of the Ashes - Ch 5

December 1, 2024 • Pastor Chris Casoni • Lamentations 5

Lamentations ends with Jeremiah’s cry of desperation for the Lord to bring relief and renewal to the broken people of Israel. This prayer models a raw and honest emotional state that roots itself in the reminders of God’s promises.

Lamentations: Out of the Ashes - Ch 4

November 24, 2024 • Pastor Chris Casoni • Lamentations 4

The priests were responsible for upholding God's law (Lev. 10:10-11), and the prophets were meant to convey His messages. However, by the time of Jeremiah, both roles had become corrupt (Jer. 6:13-14). These leaders assured the people that judgment would not come, directly contradicting God's warnings (Jer. 23:16 17). At their best, the Old Testament prophets, priests, and kings foreshadowed the coming of Christ. At their worst, they demonstrated the necessity of His arrival. False prophets, priests, and kings ultimately failed Israel, contributing to its destruction. In Christ, we find the perfect Prophet, Priest, and King who offers life, hope, and eternal restoration. We must turn to Him for unwavering truth, salvation, and guidance.

Lamentations: Out of the Ashes - Ch 3

November 17, 2024 • Pastor Chris Casoni • Lamentations 3

The third lament of Jeremiah is very personal as it focuses on the intensifying nature of suffering. Jeremiah expresses his feelings of despair, making his pivot to hope even more impactful for the reader. His raw honesty about pain in the light of his hope in God's mercy and faithfulness is a powerful reminder that even in the darkest times, God's loyal love and mercy are unfailing. This chapter is a model for expressing grief, seeking repentance, and finding strength in God's enduring compassion.

Lamentations: Out of the Ashes - Ch 2

November 10, 2024 • Pastor Chris Casoni • Lamentations 2

Lamentations chapter 2 continues the writer’s reflection on God’s divine punishment of Jerusalem. The fall of Jerusalem was an act of divine justice, intended to repay a wayward people for their rebellion. It was also love, intended to chasten God’s people to turn them away from their sins. Through sufferings of defeat and exile, God’s people could finally learn not to place their confidence in kings or temples, but only in God Himself. “For the Lord disciplines the one He loves and chastises every son whom He receives.” Hebrews 12:6

Lamentations: Out of the Ashes - Ch 1

October 27, 2024 • Pastor Chris Casoni • Lamentations 1

The book of Lamentations is read as reflective mourning over the destruction of the temple and the devastation of Jerusalem. The temple, a symbol of God’s covenant, was destroyed. The people had abandoned their relationship with God, departed from His Word, and transferred their trust from God to political allies and the temple itself. When God’s people abandon Him and depart from His Word, tragedy follows.