Lamentations 5
Sin separates us from God. In the Old Testament, animal sacrifices and the spilling of animal blood was used as part of ceremonial law to atone for sins and to help restore and reconcile individuals back to God. Jeremiah is correct that he and the exiled Jews needed to be restored, and Jeremiah also delivered prophecies pointing to Jesus, whose death on the cross permanently eliminated the need for animal sacrifice. While Jesus does want us to repent and confess our sins, He does not want animal sacrifice. Instead, He wants our lives to be about Him and for Him - we are to sacrifice FOR Him:
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Romans 12:1
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who laid down His life for me...for me...amazing! Thank You Jesus! I am not worth such an act. I miss the mark. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
Restore us to yourself, Lord, that we may return; renew our days as of old unless you have utterly rejected us and are angry with us beyond measure. v21-22
Sin separates us from God. In the Old Testament, animal sacrifices and the spilling of animal blood was used as part of ceremonial law to atone for sins and to help restore and reconcile individuals back to God. Jeremiah is correct that he and the exiled Jews needed to be restored, and Jeremiah also delivered prophecies pointing to Jesus, whose death on the cross permanently eliminated the need for animal sacrifice. While Jesus does want us to repent and confess our sins, He does not want animal sacrifice. Instead, He wants our lives to be about Him and for Him - we are to sacrifice FOR Him:
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Romans 12:1
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who laid down His life for me...for me...amazing! Thank You Jesus! I am not worth such an act. I miss the mark. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
