Sunday School Lesson on Faith

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Sunday School Lesson on Faith

Introduction

A. Tragedy Theology

The tsunami tragedy of December 26, 2004, re-sulted in massive loss of life. So did the earth-quake on the Pakistan-India border of October 8,2005. Many organizations and nations respondedby providing immediate and continuing aid forthe ones who survived but who had lost homes,possessions, and their means of livelihood.Tragedies of such proportions affect everyonepsychologically. The enduring question is Why?Accounts from the tsunami and earthquaketragedies tell of individuals or groups that werespared through various circumstances. Did that mean that God was with them more than He waswith the ones who lost their lives?

God knows when tragedies occur, for Heknows when even a sparrow falls to the ground(Matthew 10:29). The fact that death can come atany age or in any circumstance confirms that anindividual must be prepared for that possibilityat all times. Every day there are accidents andacts of terror. No one is guaranteed that he or shewill be alive tomorrow.

Thousands around the world die each year be-cause of the fact that they are Christians. Theylose their lives simply because they give expres-sion to their faith by assembling together, distrib-uting literature. or even using charitable acts asmethods of evangelism. In many parts of theworld it is just expected that a Christian will suf-fer. Yet the ultimate purpose of life for the Chris-tian is to die in Christ. Family members whosurvive have a loss, but they are blessed with ex-pectation of reunion. They also have examples ofhow a Christian handles the trials of life. God iswith His people in both life and death.

B. Lesson Background

Nebuchadnezzar became the king of Babylonwhen his father died in the summer of 605 BC.The Babylonians had just defeated the Egyptians,and to demonstrate that there was a new powerin the region, Nebuchadnezzar took captivesfrom Jerusalem. They included the prophetDaniel. Nebuchadnezzar allowed Jehoiakim toremain on the throne of David.

Nebuchadnezzar returned in the summer of597 BC to put down a rebellion initiated by Je-hoiakim. But Nebuchadnezzar found that Je-hoiakim's son, Jehoiachin, had been reigning forthree months. Nebuchadnezzar therefore took Je-hoiachin and 10,000 others captive. He thenplaced Zedekiah (Jehoiakim's brother) on thethrone (2 Kings 24:14-17). The prophet Ezekielwas among the captives taken to Babylon then.Zedekiah, Judah's last king, was therefore apuppet king under Nebuchadnezzar. Zedekiahwas not a good puppet, however. At the begin-ning of his reign he sponsored a gathering ofmessengers from other nations. They came toJerusalem to plan rebellion (Jeremiah 27:1-3).On that occasion Jeremiah was instructed bythe Lord to put a yoke on his neck and to an-nounce to the delegates that Nebuchadnezzarwas God's servant, and that all the lands weregiven by God into Nebuchadnezzar's hand (27:4-0). To prophesy this submission did not seemvery patriotic, but it was in the best interests ofthe nations involved. Would Jerusalem obey?

I. Siege of Jerusalem(2 Kings 25:1, 2, 5-7)

King Zedekiah made a trip to Babylon in thefourth year of his reign (about 594 sc; Jeremiah51:59). It is sometimes thought that he and oth-ers who plotted against Babylon were compelledto make this journey in order to give personal ex-pressions of allegiance to Nebuchadnezzar.A few years later. however, Zedekiah rebelled(2 Kings 24:20). Nebuchadnezzar then moved tosubjugate the disloyal nations, and Judah wasfirst on his list.

A. Dates Determined (vv. 1, 2)

1, 2. And it came to pass in the ninth year ofhis reign, in the tenth month, in the tenth day ofthe month, that Nebuchadnezzar king of Baby-lon came, he, and all his host, against Jeru-salem, and pitched against it; and they builtforts against it round about.

The tenth month is in winter. This shows Neb-uchadnezzar's determination as he begins themilitary blockade of Jerusalem. Polite warfare (ifthere is such a thing) in ancient times waits untilspring and the beginning of the dry season. Tomove an army and its equipment into position inthe rainy, cold months of winter is a hardship.

The conditions inside Jerusalem are not pleas-ant during the long months of siege. There is theconstant thought that the enemy outside is wait-ing for you to surrender or starve. In the mean-time the Babylonians patiently work to breakthrough the defenses. Undoubtedly, there is a lotof "foxhole faith" inside Jerusalem at this time.

Jeremiah's message is that the lives of the peo-ple and the city itself can be saved only by sur-render (Jeremiah 38:17, 18). Some of the officialsof the city attempt to have Jeremiah killed for discouraging the men of the city with thesewords. The food supply eventually becomes socritical that some women eat their children(Lamentations 2:20; 4:10).

This time there is not a miracle to save Jeru-salem, unlike the threat by the Assyrians over100 years prior (see 2 Kings 19:34, 35). In July of586 BC, the Babylonians finally force their wayinto the city.

B. Disasters Described (vv. 5-7)

5.And the army of the Chaldees pursuedafter the king, and overtook hint in the plains ofJericho: and all his army were scattered fromhim.

Zedekiah and others attempt to flee from thewrath of the besieging army, but the tactic doesnot work. The Chaldees (Babylonians) capturethe fleeing king on the plains of Jericho. The sol-diers who are pledged to defend the king aban-don him. It is every man for himself!

6.So they took the king, and brought him upto the king of Babylon to Riblah; and they gavejudgment upon him.

Zedekiah is closely related to the three priorkings of Judah. But his royal pedigree is of novalue. He is just a prisoner, walking many milesto the north to meet the king of Babylon, whomhe has betrayed. Every step is difficult, and theanticipation of the outcome only increases theanxiety.

7. And they slew the sons of Zedekiah beforehis eyes, and put out the eyes of Zedekiah, andbound him with fetters of brass, and carriedhim to Babylon.

The last thing that Zedekiah is allowed to see isthe death of his sons. (See question #3. page4221 Then he is blinded, perhaps with hot coals.He will never rebel again. Several years earlier,Ezekiel had made an interesting prophecy aboutZedekiah: he was to be brought to Babylon, but hewas not to see it (Ezekiel 12:13). The judgment onhim by Nebuchadnezzar fulfills the prophecy.Other leaders of Judah also experience death atRiblah (2 Kings 25:18-21; Jeremiah 39:6).

II. Statements of Jeremiah(Lamentations 3:25-33, 55-58)

Jeremiah is traditionally thought to be the au-thor of the book of Lamentations. The theme ofthe book is the desolation that accompanies thedestruction of Jerusalem.

It has now been some 40 years since Jeremiahwas called to prophesy. In one sense Jeremiahprobably considers himself a failure. His nation is gone, and the majority in Judah did not heed hismessage. In God's sight, however, Jeremiah is afaithful prophet who preaches even when he doesnot wish to do so (Jeremiah 20:9). Future genera-tions regard him highly. His is one of the eatersgiven to Jesus when He asked His disciples howothers identified Him (Matthew 16:13, 14).The first four chapters of Lamentations are al-phabetic acrostics: the 22 letters of the Hebrewalphabet are used consecutively to begin theverses. Here in chapter three there are threeverses for each letter. In two places the letters aretransposed, and no one knows why. Some thinkthat this method of writing may increase theability to remember, demonstrate the carefulnessof the writer, or perhaps show that the subject iscovered completely.

A. Reminders in Suffering (vv. 25-27)25.

The LORD is good unto them that wait forhim, to the soul that seeketh him.

This verse and the two following not onlybegin with the same letter of the Hebrew alpha-bet, but in the Hebrew they also begin with thesame word—good. Its position as first in the sen-tence indicates its importance.

First, Jeremiah reminds the reader that theLord really is good to the ones who have hope orexpectations concerning God's promises. Godfulfills His word, whether it is the destruction ofa sinful nation or the revival of a nation that isconsidered dead.

The careful student will also notice that thetriad of verses immediately before this one pro-vides the background for one of the great hymnsof the faith, namely, "Great Is Thy Faithfulness."Most people who sing the words do not realize the depths of faith that Jeremiah was expressingwisest he wrote them. It is almost inconceivablethat Jeremiah can say that God's mercies are newevery morning (v. 23). The experiences of Jeru-salem's siege are still vivid in his mind, but hecan still see the blessings. He has confidence inthe plan of God.

26.It is good that a man should both hopeand quietly wait for the salvation of the Lorin.The latter part of this verse is difficult formany. Today's generation wants inunediate grati-fication. Action is thought to be much better thanquietly wailing for anything. To quietly wait alsomeans that complaining or murmuring is not pre-sent. It is good that faith and faithfulness com-bine to eliminate impatience with God's timetableconcerning the fulfillments of His promises (com-pare 2 Peter 3:4-9).

27.It is good for a man that he bear the yokein his youth.

To bear the yoke is a figure of speech thatmeans someone has been placed under a burden,similar to an animal that wears a yoke. It is aforced place of service. It indicates humiliation.The person who experiences tough times laterin life is usually better able to accept them ifthey were also part of his or her earlier years.Pain and suffering are never desirable, but theremay be valuable lessons for the ones who en-dure them.

The exhortations of this verse and the previousone add a different dimension to the laments.These are positive expressions, and they saymuch about handling the traumas of life.

GAIN FROM PAIN

Some parents try to bring up their children ina "risk-free" world. They try to protect them fromall emotional pain or hardship. Yet goingthrough emotional pain can have a positive re-sult. The same is true physically. Exposure tocertain less-severe viruses can build immunityagainst those that are even worse.

The discipline of children is an area in whichsome parents have abandoned the responsibilityof administering healthy doses of pain or hard-ship. The TV show Nanny 911 makes this all tooclear: children run riot in the home as parents at-tempt to be their buddies rather than their, well,parents. Scripture reminds us that tough disci-pline, though not pleasant at the moment, has ul-timate value (Hebrews 12:11).

In our spiritual lives, times of pain and trialmay have a good ultimate result if we will allowGod to use them for that purpose. Paul remindsus that "our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceedingand eternal weight of glory" (2 Corinthians 4:17).None of us would make the request, "Bring onthe pain, let the bad times roll." Yet we do knowthat God can bring good out of our patient en-durance in times of trouble, hardship, and pain.The key is to allow Him to do so.

B. Reactions to Suffering (vv. 28-30)

28.He sitteth alone and keepeth silence,because he bath borne it upon him.

Jeremiah's words in the next three verses seemto combine the thought of the previous verse(bearing a yoke) and the suffering that accompa-nied Jerusalem's siege and destruction. There isno question this time about the source of the sor-rows. The Lord is the one who has placed theburden on His people.

One of the frequent questions in negative ex-periences is, "What did I do to deserve this?" Inmany cases the answer is that nothing wasdone; some things just happen. Sometimesthere are accidents, and no one is to blame. ForJudah, however, the causes are known. It istherefore simply better to maintain silence. Ask-ing questions only intensifies the sense of guiltand loss.

God uses the Babylonians to punish Judah,and the Babylonians are certainly not consideredmore righteous than Judah. Would that be a goodquestion to raise with God? The prophet Habak-kuk addressed that same issue approximately 20years before Jerusalem fell: How could God usesuch a sinful nation to punish Judah?

God's response is one of the outstanding versesof the Bible. Regardless of what happens, the justshall live by faith (Habakkuk 2:4; see also Ro-mans 1:17; Galatians 3:11). Oh, yes, God will alsotake care of the Babylonians. (See Lesson 7.)

29.He putteth his mouth in the dust; if so bethere may be hope.

The figures of speech showing humiliation orabasement continue, and this one is distinctive.It is similar to "lick the dust," as given in Micah7:17. It is also reminiscent of a conqueror'sputting his foot on the neck of the one conquered. (Joshua 10:24).

The one who is treated in this way, however,does not surrender hope. His or her spirit is notbroken. Such a person anticipates that withGod's help there will be better days ahead.

30. He giveth his cheek to him that smitethhim: he is filled full with reproach.

The mistreatment moves from humiliation tophysical violence. It is possible to view this versefiguratively. If that is the case, then it is a recog-

nition that God is behind the abasement thattakes place.

We must remember that many who read theselaments are righteous survivors of the catastro-phe of 586 BC. For them, Jeremiah's words arespiritual encouragement. It is extremely difficultto accept punishment when you are innocent ofwrongdoing, but sometimes it must be endured.

C. Reassurances in Suffering (vv. 31-33)

31.For the Loen will not cast off for ever.It is always easier to endure present suffering ifone knows that it is only temporary. Here Jere-miah provides assurance that being cast off is nota permanent situation. Its real purpose is to purgeand purify a sinful nation. Comparisons may bemade to surgical procedures. These are painfulfor the present, but the promise of healing en-ables one to look past the pain and discomfort.

32.But though he cause grief, yet will he havecompassion according to the multitude of hismercies.

The strong medicine of discipline may nottaste good, but it is good for the recipient. Thecompassion of God leads Him to bring a restora-tion that is based on the qualities that a thought-ful person should expect God to have. God isholy, and sin must be punished; but He is alsoprompted by His abundant mercy to do what isbest for those who serve Him. After all, "God soloved the world," not just one person or nation.33. For he doth not afflict willingly, norgrieve the children of men.

The word willingly is interesting, for in the He-brew it literally says "from his heart." This alsosays much about the character of our God. He isnot a sadist who finds joy in torture. The writerof Hebrews expresses a parallel thought when hesays, "for whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth,and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth"(Hebrews 12:6).

D. Responses by God (vv. 55-58)

55. I called upon thy name, 0 Loan, out of thelow dungeon.

The verses immediately before this sectionshow that Jeremiah is vividly recalling the timewhen he personally was the object of violence.See Jeremiah 38:6-13.

Low COTTONBeing reared in an area where cotton wasgrown, I became familiar with the idea of some-one being in low cotton. This spoke of the personwho had to pick cotton in a field where thestalks were not very high, thus he or she had to stoop way over to pick the cotton. The reason forthe low cotton was that the field was not produc-ing well. But the cotton would grow higher in agood growing season, therefore the picker didnot have to stoop so low. Thus to be in high cot-ton meant that times were good, but to be in lowcotton meant times were tough.

We all go through tough tuns—times when itseems we are about as low as we can get. God'speople are not exempt. Remember Daniel: hewas in pretty lots cotton when lie was in thelion's den. Joseph was not snuck better off whenhe was cast into a pit by his brothers then soldinto slavery.

But no matter how low we may go, the goodnews is we can never go so low that God cannothear us or see us. We know we have victorythrough Jesus in the low times. The words of thatgreat Easter hymn help us to recall this: "Low inthe grave he lay, Jesus my Savior, waiting thecoming day, Jesus my Lord. Up from the graveHe arose." Jesus knows what it means to be inlow cotton, and He knows how to lift us out ofthat state. —A. E. A.

56.Than host heard my voice: hide not thineear at my breathing, at my cry.

This is Jeremiah's testimony: the Lord heardhis prayer and his cry for help. The old saving,"Where there's life, there's hope!" comes to mind.Jeremiah is almost saying that since he is able topray, than he is confident that he is heard.

57.Thou drevvest near in the day that I calledupon thee: thou saidst, Fear not.

Jeremiah recognizes answered prayer: Pearnot. The Christian today also has a blessed assurance in several ways. Centuries after Jeremiah,Jesus will promise to be with His followers la theend of the age (Matthew 28:20). The apostle Paulaffirms that through Christ we conquer allthings, no matter the peril (Romans 8:37-39).Take a look at those words again; they proclaimthat there is hope even he pain.

58. 0 Lord, thou hast pleaded the causes ofmy soul; thou host redeemed my life.

The final response that is expressed by Jere-miah is the joy that the Lord has redeemed hislife. The word redeemed is a special word for theHebrew. It is the word for the relative who canavenge a death (Numbers 35:19), redeem a kins-man from slavery (Leviticus 25:47-49), retrieve afamily inheritance that had been sold, or marry awidow of a close relative who has no sons. Inthis case it is Jeremiah's life that has been re-deemed. This is a source of joy!

Conclusion

A.Alone?

One preacher testifies that in the past he oftenbattled depression on Monday morning if thingshad not gone as he desired on Sunday. The curewas very simple: go to a local discount store!Merely being with and meeting people, many ofwhom he knew, would compel him to smile.Soon the depression would vanish. We are madefor relationships!

To attempt to handle the trials of life alone isdifficult for most people. One of the responsibili-ties of Christians is to help hear the burdens ofothers (Galatians 6:2). Even the apostle Paul ex-pressed concern when he had to face his trialsalone. When others deserted him, it was notpleasant (2 Timothy 4:16).

Some people will resist offers of help, but fel-lowship is important. If a person can conquerpride and actually ask for assistance, then every-one involved benefits. After all. it is not good forus to dwell alone!

B.Prayer

Almighty God in Heaven, thank You for theblessings of redemption, daily bread, and friendsin Christ. None of us seek trials and pain, but wecan thank You for the steadfastness, character,and hope through the suffering that those trialsand pain produce. In the name of the Son whosuffered so much, amen.

C. Thought to Remember

"I can do all things through Christ whichstrengtheneth me" (Philippians 4:13).

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