Lamentations 3:22–33—In the midst of a lament over the fall of Jerusalem, the prophet Jeremiah extols the mercy of the Lord: His steadfast love never ceases…the Lord is good to those who wait for Him. When the Lord’s chastisement has brought about its intended results, he will have compassion according to the abundance of his steadfast love. This gives comfort to us, too: when we repent of our sins, the Lord is quick to bestow forgiveness upon us.
God’s love never fails even though we experience adversity. The background of this week’s Old Testament lesson is the affliction of God’s people, the captivity and destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC
The author is believed to be Jeremiah. Chapter 3 consists of an acrostic poem. The lesson consist of part one and two of the poem. It begins with thanksgiving which is the basis for hope, for God is love and mercy. Then the lesson urges patience in a time of trouble. The passage concludes with an exhortation to accept suffering because God does not punish but has compassion. It is a call for patience and hope in times of adversity because God is merciful and compassionate.
“God loves you” has become a popular slogan. What evidence is there for this claim? How could you prove it? In this week’s Gospel (Mark 5:21-24a; 35-43) Jesus had compassion for Jairus’ daughter who died. To relieve the father’s grief, Jesus raised the girl from the dead. The Old Testament lesson (Lamentations 3:22-33) gives us a picture of disaster and destruction. Yet, God has compassion for all who have lost everything. Paul in this week’s epistle (2 Corinthians 8:1-9; 13-14) says that God’s love can be seen in the generosity of the poor who give liberally to those who were poorer. Because the LORD is love, mercy and compassion, believers will show mercy to their fellow human beings. 1
A Prayer for one who is sick: O Father of mercies and God of all comfort, our only help in time of need, look with favor upon Your servant(s) [name(s)]. Assure [him/her/them] of Your mercy, deliver [him/her/them] from the temptations of the evil one, and give [him/her/them] patience and comfort in [his/her/their] illness. If it please You, restore [him/her/them] to health, and because it is You will give [him/her/them] grace to accept this tribulation with courage and hope; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, 2
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