August 27, 2023 - Lamentations 3:19-33

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                                                                                       August 27, 2023             

Introduction to Lamentations

by Wayne Gaeddert

1. Jeremiah is considered to be the author.

2. Lamentations gives us a snapshot of how Jerusalem’s citizens suffered due to the Babylonian invasion.

3. Jeremiah continued to remind the people that their suffering was due to their sin.

4. Jeremiah offered this counsel to the people: God is your only hope.

5. Lamentations 3:21-24 is the key passage in Lamentations. ESV Study Bible

6. Lamentations is a collection of laments for a ruined society. Each chapter is a separate lament.

7. Each verse of chapters 1,2, and 4 begins with a different letter, to make an acrostic of the Hebrew alphabet (22 letters).

8. In chapter 3, three consecutive verses start with the same letter before repeating the pattern for all characters in the Hebrew alphabet.

9. Chapter 5 breaks the acrostic pattern of the previous chapters.

10. Lamentations was probably written very soon after Jerusalem was destroyed and before Jeremiah was taken to Egypt (586 or 585 BC). Believers Bible Commentary

11. Jeremiah was not happy that his prophecies had come true, instead, he wept bitterly because of the misery of the people. Believers Bible Commentary

12. Link to an overview of the book of Lamentations:

Overview of the Book of Lamentations

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August 27, 2023

Lamentations 3:19-33

Lessons Learned

by Wayne Gaeddert

1. In chapter 3:1-18 Jeremiah described God’s severe discipline. God had judged Judah and sent the people in to exile. Dr. Brian Beyer

2. Sometimes you just have to express to God all your pain and troubles.

3. Waiting for God is how you demonstrate your faith in Him to handle the situation.

4. Jeremiah said, “great is your faithfulness” in the darkest hour of Israel’s history. When times are discouraging in your life, what do you say?

5. The only lasting hope is found in Jesus.

6. God’s purpose when He disciplines is to refine you into the image of Christ.

7. Shame is the feeling of those who realize they have done wrong and are not proud of their actions.

8. “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.” James 4:10 ESV

9. Not submitting to discipline is a sign of rebellion.

10. Application:

·        When the chips are down, you can find hope by focusing on God’s love and mercy. See verses 22-23

·        When God disciplines you, is it because of His love for you.

“And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons?

‘My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord,
    nor be weary when reproved by him.
For the Lord disciplines the one he loves,
    and chastises every son whom he receives.’”

Hebrews 12:5-6 ESV

·        God is good. He does not allow anything into the life of a believer that is not ultimately for their good.

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 ESV