“You Don’t Know What You’ve Got ‘Til It’s Gone” (with apologies to Joni Mitchell)

Lamentations 1: 7: “In the days of her affliction and homelessness Jerusalem remembers all her precious things that were from the days of old.” Funny thing, when Jerusalem still had the temple, the law, the monarchy, and the very presence of God, she didn’t seem to appreciate it. It is only now that Babylon has seemingly taken it all away that she realizes its value. Only now, as Nebuchadnezzar razes the temple and blinds their king, do they realize that they’ve been blessed among all nations. One purpose of Lent and Holy Week is to remember what’s truly important while we still have it, before it’s too late. Dare we, like Jerusalem, ignore the warnings of God?