The Fallen Crown

The crown has fallen from our head; woe to us, for we have sinned. (Lamentations 5:16)

Lam. 5:16-22; Prov. 13:15; Rom. 3:16; II Tim. 4:8; I Pet. 1:17-18 and 3:18

What Is God Saying?

The purpose of Lamentations, as the name implies, is to give vent to the deep anguish of God's people. The book is not all sorrow. See how the sun breaks through in verses 3:22-27. But mainly, Lamentations focuses on the suffering that sin brings. Jerusalem lay in rubble. The Temple was violated. A whole nation had lost its freedom and gained overty, famine, shame, and humiliation. Read Lamentations 5. "Why?" asks the poet-prophet, "Why? Because we have sinned." Then, in the book's final words, the prophet describes God's restorative power. God is still in control (verse 21).

How Does This Apply To Us?

As God can and will restore his people, so Christ can put back on our heads the crown, his crown of righteousness, as promised in II Timothy 4:8. We don't have to be ruled by sin. Through repentance and faith, "the crown that has fallen from our head" can be replaced. Our prayer should be that we might realise we have been "delivered from the dominion of darkness and transferred to the Kingdom of (God's) beloved Son" (Col. 1:13). He puts back on our heads the fallen crown. In his reigning, we reign. In his mastery over us, we are free.

Pray With Me

Lord, because your conquest of sin is absolute, you have been given a name above every name. Let me see you in your risen and reigning glory.

I will walk in complete confidence toward your ever-sufficient grace. No person can serve two masters. No person can hold a sceptre and sin in their heart. No person can be crowned with your blessings while compromising with your enemies. Therefore, dear Lord, to the throne of my heart, return and reign, for in your reigning, I reign, and in your mastery, I am free.

In the strong name of Your long-suffering yet sovereign love, Amen.

Moving On In The Life Of Prayer

The book of Lamentations ends in hope. We have been "ransomed from our futile ways with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot" (I Peter 1:18-19). Now, we tap into his strength, believe his promises, and stay in his perfect plan for our lives. All this comes through prayer. "They who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength" (Isaiah 40:31).