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HE DOES NOT AFFLICT WILLINGLY

Text: Lamentations 3
22 October 2017

SUFFERING IN LIFE

The prophet Jeremiah is often called “the weeping prophet.” This is because of the fact that he would often mention that he wept as he observed his beloved nation Judah in perpetual backsliding. He suffered along with the nation. He felt for them and grieved deeply.

Jeremiah sought to remain faithful to the Lord, preaching the prophetic messages that he was given by the Lord. But for all his efforts, the people turned against him.

I have become the ridicule of all my people-

Their taunting song all the day.     Lamentations 3:14 

THE DANGER OF BEING INWARD-LOOKING

Jeremiah fell into the danger of being inward looking. He thought about himself and he realised that he was sinking lower and lower.

He has also broken my teeth with gravel,

And covered me with ashes.

You have moved my soul far from peace;

I have forgotten prosperity.

 

And I said, “My strength and hope have perished

From the LORD.”     Lamentations 3:16-18

  1. He counted his sorrows

a) Teeth broken (figurative)

b) Covered with ashes (symbol of sorrow)

c) Soul far from peace

d) Forgotten prosperity

  1. He concluded

a) Strength has gone

b) Hope has perished from the Lord

c) He was on the brink of despair!

THE ANSWER THAT WAS FOUND

Jeremiah knew that his inward-looking approach to life was wrong. He then turned his thoughts to the Lord. 

The LORD is good to those who wait for Him,

To the soul who seeks Him.

 

It is good that one should hope and wait quietly

For the salvation of the LORD.      

 

For He does not afflict willingly,

Nor grieve the children of men.     Lamentations 3:25-26, 33 

  1. The goodness of the Lord

a) This is a foundational doctrine

b) The LORD is good to those who wait for Him 

  1. The answer lies in being Upward-Looking

a) Wait on the Lord

b) Hope in the Lord

c) Seek the Lord

d) He will yet give salvation to those who persevere in their trust in Him

  1. God does not afflict willingly

a) He will show compassion

b) He will grant salvation (deliverance)

Let us hold fast to our faith in the Lord. Let us seek revival of our spirit through His word!