Kameel Majdali's Road Ahead

Introduction It was a massive national tragedy. Despite many prophetic warnings, the people of Southern Kingdom of Judah refused to repent and return to the Lord. The result was the invasion by Babylon of Judah, the destruction of Jerusalem and Solomon’s Temple, the disappearance of the Ark of the Covenant, and the deportation of the Judeans into 70 years of Babylonian captivity. The year: 586 BC. Though Jeremiah foresaw all these things, he did not tell the remnant: ‘ I told you so. ’ On the contrary, he was extremely pained by the accuracy of his prophetic prediction regarding the conquest and destruction of the his holy city. Yet, in the midst of the collective darkness, God’s character and light shined brighter than ever. Hence, to understand Lamentations is to understand God’s steadfast love, unceasing mercies, and larger-than-life faithfulness. Hebrew Name of Lamentations Ekah "Ah, how!"   Ginoth “Elegies' or ‘Lamentations.’ Author ...

Introduction of Jeremiah It is one of the great prophecies of the Old Testament. Passionate, emotional, intense, and often uncomfortable, the Book of Jeremiah contains within its anointed words criticism and condemnation, yet promises of restoration and revival. It speaks of foreign conquest and occupation of Israel, yet Israel’s future never looked brighter. This is because of the promise of ‘new covenant’ with the House of Israel and the House of Judah. Amazingly, despite the threat of conquest and deportation, a most remarkable divine promise is given: that as long as there are stars, sun, and moon in the sky, then Israel will always remain a people before God. Their miraculous preservation in the face of the twin-threats of assimilation and/or annihilation is unique, especially considering that larger nations and empires have come and gone. This caused American author Mark Twain to ask: ‘ All things are mortal but the Jew … what is the secret of his immortality?’ (essa...

So built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof: for the people had a mind to work — Nehemiah 4:6 The challenges could not be greater. In fulfilment of the prophecy of Jeremiah, a minority of the people of Judah chose to leave captivity in Babylon and return to home. The walls of Jerusalem and the temple of God were rebuilt. Yet, they faced much opposition from the neighbours and over time the walls of Jerusalem came into disrepair. The people were greatly discouraged. Then comes Nehemiah. A Judean who served in the Persian court as the king’s cupbearer, Nehemiah’s rise to leadership was birthed in crisis. When he asked about the welfare of his people back home, he heard most distressing news: The people of Judah are in great affliction and reproach. The walls of Jerusalem were broken down and the gates burned with fire. Crisis can be the womb of opportunity. Nehemiah rose up to be one of the greatest Hebrew leaders and indeed one o...