GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS
Lam. 3
Intro: Of course this book of 5 laments takes place just after the Fall of Jerusalem [587] and the destruction of the temple. Surely there was something to cry about. More so than anything else was not just what had happened rather why it happened. These terrible events occurred at the chastening hand of God.
Though we will see Jeremiah’s ‘woe is me’ attitude displayed clearly here, I believe he is referring to himself in the light of Israel’s condition. It is very clear that it is not only Jeremiah that is feeling the rod of God’s wrath, nor is it he alone who is being led into dark places with a heavy weight upon his neck. The people of God were being led away into bondage by the Babylonians ‘ a wicked people’, and it was bitter as wormwood or poison. V. 17 says; “my soul was far from peace, I had forgot prosperity or happiness”.
• Ever felt that way?
• Do you feel that way this morning?
• What has caused you to feel that way?
• Have you been fallen?
• Have you been led away?
• Have you went too far?
* Have you lost hope? You’re not alone…
Lament. 3:18
And I said, "My strength and my hope
Have perished from the Lord."
• Is all you think about affliction and misery? You’re not alone….
Lament. 3:19
Remember my affliction and roaming,
The wormwood and the gall.
• Does these things humble you? You’re not alone.
Lament. 3:20
My soul still remembers
And sinks within me.
STOP! DROP! AND RECALL!!
Lament. 3:21
This I recall to my mind,
Therefore I have hope.
Lament. 3:22
Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed,
Because His compassions fail not.
• The Lord’s mercies hinder our consumption.
• The Lord’s mercies are the hinge of his compassions.
I want to focus for a few more minutes on three things. God’s Multitude of Mercies, God’s Continued Compassions and God’s Great Faithfulness.
1. God’s Multitude of Mercies:
• James 2:13 For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
• Without mercy, we get Justice. [Illus.]#1 Mother to Napoleon on behalf of her son, “Mercy is all I ask for”
These Mercies come from the Father of Mercies: 2 Cor. 1:3
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort,
These Mercies are Great Mercies: Psalm 119:156
Great are Your tender mercies, O Lord;
Revive me according to Your judgments.
These Mercies are Faithful Mercies: Isaiah 55:3
Incline your ear, and come to Me.
Hear, and your soul shall live;
And I will make an everlasting covenant with you--
The sure mercies of David.
2. God’s Continued Compassions:
• As mentioned, these continued compassions are hinged on his multitude of mercies.
• It’s not just that His compassions will not fail…they cannot fail!!!
[Illus] #2 Allen Gardiner
[Illus] #3 Corrie Tin Boom
Hosea 11:8
How shall I give thee up, Ephraim? how shall I deliver thee, Israel? how shall I make thee as Admah? how shall I set thee as Zeboim? mine heart is turned within me, my repentings are kindled together.
• You know who it is that give God the ‘warm fuzzies’? We do!!
• They are new every morning, can’t even put a dent in the supply. They fail not…They fail not…They fail not!
3. God’s Great Faithfulness:
* In His Character: Deut. 7:9
Know therefore that the Lord thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;
* In Our Calling: 1 Cor. 1:9
God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
1 Thes. 5:24
Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.
* In Our Falling: 1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
- But also when we are tempted: 1 Cor. 10:13
There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
2 Thes. 3:3
But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.
* In His Coming: Hebrews 10:23
Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)
Hebrews 10:37
For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.
Rev. 19:11
And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.
2 Peter 3:10
But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.
Conclusion: Are you ready for the faithful one to come? Are you trusting in His multitude of mercy or your worthless works? In His continued compassions or your contemporary cults? Great is His Faithfulness to forgive you… to save you… to secure and stablish you.
ILLUSTRATIONS
