Our scripture today is Lamentations 2:6 (NIV).
He has laid waste his dwelling like a garden; he has destroyed his place of meeting. The Lord has made Zion forget her appointed festivals and her Sabbaths; in his fierce anger he has spurned both king and priest.
It is hard to read about God allowing the destruction of the beautiful temple but it had become just another building. It was no longer the symbol of God dwelling with His people. He effectively says “You want to live according to your own ways, this is what it is like.” God has not abandoned us but He wants us to see very clearly had badly we and this world are broken and how very badly we need to live in His love and mercy.
Gracious God, we are sorry when we trust in our own feeble strength and wisdom rather than Your love and power. Forgive us and fill us with Your Spirit that we may tell the Good News everywhere. Amen.
