Lamentations 3

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

The Prophet’s Anguish and Hope

In this chapter Jeremiah identifies himself with the city of Jerusalem (1st person pronouns) in its sufferings under the judgment of God for the sins of the nation. In this aspect Lamentations 3 is messianic because it ______________ the passion of the Lord Jesus as He suffered on the cross for our sins.
What was it that gave Jeremiah hope in the midst of his anguish (vs 22-24)?
In verses 25-40, Jeremiah expressed 7 divine principles as to the nature of affliction for Israel in that day and also for God’s people at all times. List the 7 principles.
Identify 4 verses in this chapter which capture the picture of Jeremiah as the “weeping prophet”. What lesson should we learn from Jeremiah’s prayer in these verses?

This third chapter of Lamentations has messianic implications because it foreshadows the passion of Christ as He suffered on the cross for our sins.
In the midst of horrible conditions in Jerusalem, Jeremiah passionately expressed hope in God’s great faithfulness and daily compassions.
The seven principles regarding the nature of affliction are: a. Affliction can be endured because there is hope in God’s restoration (vs 25-30). b. Affliction is only temporary and tempered with God’s compassion (vs 31-32). c. God does not delight in affliction (v 33). d. God does not approve of affliction caused by injustice (vs 34-36). e. Affliction is always under the sovereign control of God (vs 37-38). f. Affliction can be a result of sin as in Judah’s case (v 39). g. Affliction should cause people to turn back to the Lord (v 40).
Verses 48-51 give a clear picture of Jeremiah as he wept over the sins of Jerusalem. We can learn from his prayer that we should be faithful in prayer even in the midst of pain and suffering.

Consider the detail in which Jeremiah describes God’s dealings with His people. Discuss how you could encourage believers around you to say together (verse 40a), “Let us search out and examine our ways” and act upon the results individually and as part of your church.

Read again the verses of this chapter containing the word “hope”. Very few of us have been in such a desperate situation as was Jeremiah, yet we tend to lose hope in our personal times of crisis. Will you follow the example of Jeremiah and place your hope in the Lord’s faithfulness and compassion, even in your most difficult times of pain and suffering?

“Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is His faithfulness. The Lord is my portion, therefore I hope in Him.” Lamentations 3:22-24