trampled

Lamentations 1:13-15 (JDV)

Lamentations 1:13 He sent fire from high up into my bones; he made it descend. He spread a net for my feet and turned me back. He made me desolate, sick all day long.
Lamentations 1:14 My transgressions have been formed into a yoke, fastened together by his hand; they have been placed on my neck, and the Lord has broken my strength. He has handed me over to those I cannot resist.
Lamentations 1:15 The Lord has rejected all the mighty men within me. He has summoned an army against me to crush my young warriors. The Lord has trampled Virgin Daughter Judah like grapes in a wine-press.

trampled

The Lamenter describes Virgin daughter Judah as having been trampled like grapes in a wine press. It speaks of the aftermath of violent confrontation, and a loss of strength and integrity.

When Jesus returns, his domination of the nations is described with similar wording. He will rule them with an iron rod, and he will tread the wine press of God’s fierce wrath (Revelation 19:15).

At this time, it is God’s own nation who is experiencing this fate. It is their transgressions that have been formed into a heavy yoke.

But we are fortunate to be living in an age of grace, and that great warrior — Jesus — comes to us today and offers us a light yoke for our necks.

Lord, give us the wisdom to accept your offer of peace, because the day of wrath and judgment is quickly approaching.