This Is the Old Testament is part of a twelve-week thematic overview of the entire Bible. Each day we’ll read a thematic selection from a different book or two of the Bible, along with supplemental passages that show how the theme of that day’s main reading is found throughout Scripture. We’ll also read a brief summary of each book and a reflection on how the book fits into the larger story of Scripture. This week, we’ll continue looking at the genres of Major and Minor Prophets.
What Is Jeremiah? This book Chronicles God’s prophecies to Judah. The prophet Jeremiah prophecies concerning both Judah’s future captivity captivity in Babylon and the promise of a new covenant.
What Is Lamentations? The book of Lamentations records Jeremiah’s expressions of grief, or laments, over the destruction of Jerusalem and Judah’s captivity in Babylon. It also includes an extended expression of hope in God’s faithful love.
How Jeremiah & Lamentations Fit Into the Story:
The new covenant passage in Jeremiah 31:31–34 is the longest Old Testament text quoted in the New Testament (Hb 8:8–12). This passage links God’s ancient promises to Eve (Gn 3:15), Abraham (Gn 12:1–3), and David (2Sm 7:16–19) with New Testament assurances that God in Christ grants believers new hearts, salvation, and fellowship with Him.
Lamentations invites us to meet God in the midst of our suffering and teaches us the language of prayer. Instead of offering a set of techniques, easy answers, or inspiring slogans for facing pain and grief, the book gives voice to our pain through lament, reorients our focus to the faithfulness of God, and affirms that He is able to sustain us.
Reflection Questions:
1. How do the promises of the new covenant in Jeremiah make space for lament in your relationship with God?
2. How does today’s reading shape your understanding of the story of redemption?
Take time to reflect on your responses and share what you are learning with others in the community in the comments.
How amazing that His mercies are new every morning! We can repent and not beat ourselves up. We don’t have to live condemned. How freeing is this! May we have a joyful day walking in His love and freedom! Praise Him!
My husband and I relocated to a whole new way of living (city to cows, varmints in the country), leaving 35 years of an amazing life where we raised our family. A new home, city, mode, all extremely wonderful, yet I find myself restless, lonely and in a desert. I find myself being ‘the new kid’ once again (I moved a lot growing up). Today’s readings allow me to relax, breathe and fall back into God during this wait. Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!
HA Ha, just read your post ERB, Indeed! YES! So good.
MAURA, I just read your comment!! I agree, SO much to glean here!! I am happy to take another day or two in Isaiah 49!!! May your day today be filled with joy and truth!!! Xoxo
Kaitlyn – praying and believing with you. May He give you His rest in this time even when your eyes are open as you lean into Him.
Hi Sisters, This morning I read CSB and NIV, as sometimes, I feel God gives me more in looking at two different interpretations. In NIV Lamentations 3:22-24 says “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail.” I could just stay here, our sin does not consume us, because by His love, so beyond understanding, He would take our shame, insults, darkness and die to remove it from us and resurrect us from the death our sin brings. His compassion/mercy never fail, but are new every morning. Love this thought which sometimes daily He brings to mind, for if He can have such compassion with me, He does empower me by His Spirit to have it for others as well, even when they, like me do not deserve it. But God, laid down His life to give it, I can surely lay down my hurt, pride, whatever He calls me to. And, with the Helper, the Spirit do the same. This is my prayer, even as these days challenge me by hurtful words, that I am His and that is all I need to be.
Thank you for your prayer for all of us Irena, sweet to me. Charlie, yes, isn’t the Word so good. Melanie, praying He strengthens you in your health, heals you in body and Spirit. May you feel His love embracing you. Jacqui, praying your heart and eyes find their rest on Jesus and He overwhelms you with His light, His grace and His incredible love.
Dear ERB, I hope your Sunday was rest and joy and peace, maybe some iced tea, sunshine and worship songs. :)
I have to tell you, Isaiah 49, has so much in it. I think we could spend at least a week here. The beginning confused me, if it is speaking of Jacob, or Jesus. It seemed to become more clear in Isaiah 49:6 he says, “It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring my salvation to the ends of the earth.” Jesus, Yes. It is so good and there is so much here. I love that God then says. Isaiah 7 This is what the Lord says, the Redeemer and Holy One of Israel – to him who was despised and abhorred by the nation, to the servant of rulers: (here it seems to me, and I could be wrong, this is God speaking to Himself, Father to Son) Kings will bow down, because of the Lord, who is faithful, the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen you.” and then Isaiah 49:8-13 so much here that is so Good for my heart. I looked up Desiring God to understand the beginning and it pointed out that here, Jesus is to be the covenant and He is to be salvation, He doesn’t just bring it, He , Himself is it. Aww, I need to go. What do you think ERB, do you want to stay here another day maybe? I have spent so much time responding, I need to see if you have responded already. If you get a chance, you might look at Desiring God, I didn’t get very far on the commentary, but there is much there to glean. May He give us time with Him this day in the light of His glory and grace. Thanks for this time ERB, and my Sisters. What a blessing to me.
Dear SRT sisters,
Remember in the trials is when others are looking to you as well, of how we handle our trials and crisis. It’s a beautiful time to show our faith in God, and that the outcome is always glory to Him, the One that knows all, and encompasses all. It’s funny, has anyone like me….prayed use me God, let me shine your light to others, use me in a big way….and then instantly worry that you don’t want a tragedy to happen to be the way He uses you???! Or is that just me?! lol
I have tried to point to Him in my tragedies and sadness, even as you cry out in anger…that is okay and good, but you can be that example to all around you! There are so many hurting people and sadness, Let US be the light, the friend, the hand to help those in trials. I pray God to use me to represent YOU! Amen. All of your wonderful comments and prayer request are a great representative of God’s family and people!
Right now as I typed that, on my Youtube, Phil Wickam is singing “The Battle Belongs to You.” Exactly! Listen to it!
And now “Hope in Front of Me” by Danny Gokey, So Good! Songs, music, feels the soul with words you want to say, but can’t find.
Which also makes me think of a prayer request of fb this morning by Casting Crowns, their drummer was in a motorcycle accident yesterday on his way to church. He is in bad shape, pray for him and his family. Also if you could pray for my niece Anniston, she is is only 21, and an unexpected pregnancy with a guy she is not with. She has a long tough road ahead and is very worrisome, fearful, and has depression. I pray she will be strong and feel God’s love, and be surrounded by the right people to encourage her and give her love.
LOVED all of today’s scriptures!!! But Luke 22:19-20 particularly stood out to me… for some reason I had never noticed before that they enjoyed a supper together AFTER Jesus broke the bread.. (which makes sense, The Last Supper, duh!!) and when they drank in remembrance they did it AFTER supper!!! I love how they had fellowship (supper) in between the bread and the wine!!! SO powerful and an amazing example for each of us!!! I also love the way Christ worded these verses…SO applicable to our walks today!!! …Sometimes we need brokenness (& in that brokenness, thankfulness) in our lives so we can FULLY partake of the NEW covenant and ALL that Christ poured out for us, His ENTIRE life… so humbling, but such a good reminder!!! To God be all the Glory!!!! Amen.
MAURA, Isaiah 49… YES!! YES!!! YES!!!! My spirit leapt with thanksgiving, joy and assurance while reading this chapter!!! SO GOOD!!! I highlighted the ENTIRE chapter!! Haha!! So awesome to see how God works and how much He values us!!! *HUGE smile on my face* I am going to be praising Him ALL day!!!