15 Thus says the Lord,
“A voice is heard in Ramah,
Lamentation and bitter weeping.
Rachel is weeping for her children;
She refuses to be comforted for her children,
Because they are no more.”~ Jeremiah 31:15 (NASB)
Lord God Almighty, I know You are a just God who requires punishment for sins. The people of the Old Testament were punished by war and oppression and slavery. My punishment is death. Yet Jesus has already taken my punishment for me. He was tortured and crucified, buried in a tomb with a rock rolled in front for security, and He rose again on the third day. By his actions, He willingly took on the punishment for my sins. All that is asked of me is to accept Jesus as my Lord and Savior, take up my cross, and follow You. Search my heart, Lord, and cleanse me so that I can love You completely, follow You faithfully, and seek Your Kingdom whole-heartedly. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.