No One to Comfort Me

Tuesday, March 3, 2015
Lamentations 1:17-21 KJV 

17 Zion spreadeth forth her hands, [and there is] none to comfort her: the LORD hath commanded concerning Jacob, [that] his adversaries [should be] round about him: Jerusalem is as a menstruous woman among them. 18 The LORD is righteous; for I have rebelled against his commandment: hear, I pray you, all people, and behold my sorrow: my virgins and my young men are gone into captivity. 19 I called for my lovers, [but] they deceived me: my priests and mine elders gave up the ghost in the city, while they sought their meat to relieve their souls. 20 Behold, O LORD; for I [am] in distress: my bowels are troubled; mine heart is turned within me; for I have grievously rebelled: abroad the sword bereaveth, at home [there is] as death. 21 They have heard that I sigh: [there is] none to comfort me: all mine enemies have heard of my trouble; they are glad that thou hast done [it]: thou wilt bring the day [that] thou hast called, and they shall be like unto me.

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What does the Prophet Jeremiah proclaim about Zion (Jerusalem; the habitation of God's people)? (v.17)
2) What does the prophet declare about the Lord? (v.18a)
3) Why were the people of God in sorrow? (v.18b)
4) Who did the people of God call upon in their time of sorrow (during their exile and Jerusalem's devastation)? Did they find anyone to help? (v.19-20)
5) What did their enemies observe about the people of God and how did they treat them? (v.21)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
6) Have you ever experienced the chastening of the Lord because of willful disobedience or rebellion? If so, briefly explain what happened?
7) Do you know of a community, church body or nation that has, or is, suffering as a result of willful rebellion against the Lord? If so, briefly explain how they have rebelled against God.

LIFE LESSONS
8) There are always consequences for willful and deliberate rebellion against the Lord.
9) While the Lord allows people to experience the ramifications of their rebellion against Him, in His mercy, God always delivers or restores those who turn from their sins and turn to Him.