overtaken

Lamentations 1:3-6 (JDV)

Lamentations 1:3 Judah has gone into exile after misery and harsh slavery; she lives among the nations but finds no place to rest. All her pursuers have overtaken her in narrow places.
Lamentations 1:4 The roads to Zion mourn, because no one comes to the appointed festivals. All her gates are deserted; her priests are sighing, her young women grieve, and she herself is bitter.
Lamentations 1:5 Her adversaries have become her masters; her enemies are taking it easy, because Yahveh has made her suffer due to of her many transgressions. Her children have gone away as captives in the face of the adversary.
Lamentations 1:6 All the glamour has disappeared from Daughter Zion. Her leaders are like stags that find no pasture; they stumble away exhausted in the face of the hunter.

overtaken

The once beautiful and powerful city now sits defenseless like prey surrounded by predators. They have already overtaken her, and are in the midst of devouring her.

And it is her fault. This fate is hers because she has offended her God. Is there no hope?

Not yet. There will be hope, but it is important for Jerusalem to see the consequences of her choices.

Lord, help us to learn from this terrible truth. We run to you and seek help so that we are not overtaken.