October 26-November 1: Jeremith 31-33; 36-39; Lamentations 1; 3

"I Will Turn Though Mourning into Joy"

Moriah Salins (American, born 2002)

Seeking Truth (2002)

Oil on wood, 24 x 24 inches

Collection of the artist

Used with permission of the artist

The Lord gives powerful promises of restoration, including a “new covenant” where His law will be written on people’s hearts and their relationship with Him will be renewed. These chapters assure that despite coming judgment, God has not abandoned His people and will rebuild and restore them. Later the prophet Jeremiah dictates God’s message, but King Jehoiakim burns it, rejecting the warning. Jerusalem then falls to Babylon, King Zedekiah is captured, and the city is destroyed as a result of continued disobedience. Lamentations begins with mourning over the devestation. Yet chapter 3 expresses hope by affirming that God’s compassion and mercy are renewed every day.

A central theme of the reading is that despite struggle, restoration is promised. The new covenant highlights inner transformation rather than simply compliance. Lamentations emphasizes honesty in suffering. But also highlights an enduring hope rooted in God’s faithfulness. These scriptures remain important to us today, centuries after their writing, because they invite our interpretation and contemplate. Moriah Salins work, Seeking Truth, is allegorical. What does it say to you abd what insight does it bring to your reading?

Gospel Questions

1. Have you ever rejected a spiritual prompting?

2. How does your faith impact how you balance accountability and compassion?

3. Whats a time in your life where it has been difficult to express your emotions?

For Children and Youth

Hi. God promised to help His people change their hearts and make things better again, even after they made bad choices. Even when everything felt sad and broken, there was still hope because God’s love never stopped.

1. What helped you to change and be better when you made a mistake?

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