Lamentations 4 Devotions by Stephen Taylor

Lamentations 4:12,13

The kings of the earth did not believe, nor did any of the peoples of the world, that enemies and foes could enter the gates of Jerusalem. But it happened because of the sins of her prophets and the iniquities of her priests, who shed within her the blood of the righteous.

Those of us who have been called to lead have been called to lead at a higher standard. Jesus said that from the one who has been given much, much will be expected. These verses are a sobering reminder of that truth. The nation had fallen into idolatry and sin, yet it is the priest and the prophet who are specifically named here; but why? The answer is simply, yet profoundly, that those God has called to lead His people and put into positions of power will be held to a higher standard than the rest.

Does that mean the rest of us can live wildly and openly in sin and rebellion? Of course not, but it does mean that those who have been called to lead must do it by following Christ, not the world. The prophets and priests mentioned here are the ones who not only committed the sins but led those under them into great sin. They promoted idolatry, murder, greed, sexual sin, and so much more. They were Divinely appointed to speak the Word of God and lead people in it, but instead of seeking the Lord, they led the people away from Him. And it cost them; both the one leading and the one following suffered because of this.

So I must ask us, who are we following today? Do they proclaim and live out the Word of God through the power of the Holy Spirit or do they just claim Christ while serving Satan? We can’t choose who gets to lead, but we can choose who we follow! Who are you listening to today?

James 3:1- Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.

2 Corinthians 11:14,15- And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.

God bless! I love you all, but His love reveals the Way and exposes the fake! Glory, honor, and praise now and forever to Papa God, Jesus Christ our King, and the Holy Spirit!