Mercies and Compassion

O. T. #1843 "Mercies and Compassion"

Dec. 18, 2020

Lamentations 3-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

Jeremiah remembered the unfailing love of God while feeling abandoned, oppressed, humiliated, and bitter. What he learned during his darkest hour can provide us with hope and encouragement during our times of distress-even when those periods are due to our own rebellion against God.

We see the brokenness of Jeremiah as he saw the affliction of his people (some died by the sword, others by a plague or famine). Then they were taken captive to Babylon, where they remained 70 years. It was due to the rod (club) of God's wrath to bring judgment on Judah. (verse 1)

Jeremiah grieves over his public mocking, emotional bitterness, deprived of peace, trampled underfoot, and stripped of happiness. (verses 14-17) We can understand how his strength has perished and his hope from the Lord. (verse 18) Such deep discouragement and weariness that a prophet of God experienced. Yet, whenever Jeremiah began focusing on God's divine compassion and faithfulness, we see a change in his writings.

 Verses 19-26 (NLT) says, The thought of my sufferings and homelessness is bitter beyond words. I will never forget this awful time, as I grieve over my loss. Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this:

The faithful love of the LORD never ends! His mercies never cease.                                              Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each morning.                                                         I say to myself, "The LORD is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in Him!"                                The LORD is good to those who depend on Him, to those who search for Him.                                  So it is good to wait quietly for salvation from the LORD.  

 As we grieve, we can still have hope.   When we suffer, our God is so strong for us to turn to.  If we are having a hard time, we can be comforted that His compassion never fails. In our humiliation, God is our hope. Folks, we can depend on Him to get us through whatever circumstances we are in. So depend on Him, seek Him, and wait quietly for Him to work. Then give God praises and glory.  

[Resource: Liberty Bible Commentary]                           

LET IT GROW

Did you notice the word mercies in those scriptures? It is the Hebrew word checed (kheh'sed) which means kindness, pity; favor; good deed.                                              

What can we learn about God's mercies?

• It is the loyalty and devotion that God has in relationship to the covenant He has made with the Jews and us, which results in  Him showing us mercy.
• His mercy is limitless and can never fail.
• That is why we are not consumed, even though we sin and fail Him.
• His compassions (to love; find, have, obtain, show mercy) fail not.
• Great is His faithfulness. The fact that there still exists a remnant of His people proves it.

Three truths about the nature of God gave Jeremiah hope:                                                                    God's love never ends. (verse 22a) God's concern never fails. (verse 22b) God's faithfulness never diminishes. (verse 23b)

2 Timothy 2:13 says the Lord "remains faithful; for He cannot deny Himself." What assurance we have in His unlimited grace, mercy, and trustworthiness! No wonder Jeremiah proclaimed the Lord was his portion (allotment; inheritance; part).

LET IT GO 

                     ...of oppression and bitterness and worry.

Seek God and His hope, mercies, compassion, salvation in Jesus.                                               Remember His mercies are new every morning.                                                                                          Place your hope in Jesus.                                                                                                                   Quietly wait for Him.                                                                                                                            Keep praying, studying the Bible, trusting in Jesus, for His compassions fail not.                              Share the love of God today.