Impurity clung to her inside the cover of her clothes. She refused to consider anything but the present, never expecting her impurity would be revealed. Nobody came forward with comfort - no one.
Observation
God continually warns the Judean's of what is to come if she doesn't confess her sins and turn from them. Lady Jerusalem believes that she has hidden her iniquity well enough that there is nothing to fear. In fact the iniquity has been apart of her so long, that she has grown used to it and has even forgotten all about it. By God's command Jeremiah continually is pointing her sin out, teaching her that no matter how many layers she puts over their iniquity, God still sees it all.
Now, just like they were warned, the garment that they were covering their sin with has been ripped off and their shame and guilt is there for everyone to see. No one comes to their rescue, no one covers her up; she is left alone, wallowing in despair.
Application
Although this is a sad passage, there is a part of me that rejoices at the uncovering of sin. See I know what it is like to cover up sin. I didn't even know that I was doing it. Just like Judah, people came and told me, I just didn't listen.
What was my sin? Pride. Just thinking about how sick I was breaks my heart. The day I was laid bare before God was one of the greatest days of my life. I continually cried, lamented, just like this book is entitled. I mourned over my sin, and each tear shed God used to cleanse me and restore me, just like He does with Israel. Now I'm diligent about praying that God keep me pure before Him, never trying to cover up my junk.
The truth is we all have junk, it is just that some are better at covering it up than others. But those who have their masks ripped off, those who are laid bare, are truly blessed.
Prayer
Thank You Lord for ripping off my mask. I know that in me, I would easily fall into wearing that mask again. Please guide my steps and my heart, so that I am always pure before You.
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