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A Prayer of the Afflicted

A Prayer of the Afflicted. Psalm 102. Psalm 102. Written during a time when Judah is facing oppression (possibly Babylonian captivity) “A prayer of the Afflicted, when he is overwhelmed and pours out his complaint before the Lord.”. Lamentations (1-11). Hear my prayer! (1)

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A Prayer of the Afflicted

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  1. A Prayer of the Afflicted Psalm 102

  2. Psalm 102 • Written during a time when Judah is facing oppression (possibly Babylonian captivity) • “A prayer of the Afflicted, when he is overwhelmed and pours out his complaint before the Lord.”

  3. Lamentations (1-11) • Hear my prayer! (1) • A time of despair. Author is stressed and in misery • It seems God is not answering (2)

  4. Lamentations (1-11) • Days consumed (3) • Body broken (3-5) • Loneliness (6-7) • Enemies reproach (8)

  5. Lamentations (1-11) • Food of ashes and tears (9) • A product of God’s indignation and wrath (10) • Shortened days (11)

  6. Lamentations (1-11) • Do we ever find ourselves in a similar condition? • In despair, we pour out our hearts to God but we don’t seem to receive an answer?We are guilty and unworthy?

  7. Lamentations (1-11) • God is there! • He knows what is best (Isa. 55:8-9) • We cannot expect favoritism • Adversity can produce good (Heb. 12:5-11, Jas. 1:2-3, Rom. 5:3-5) • Sometimes we need to repent! (Isa. 59:2)

  8. Mercy on Zion (12-22) • The psalmist acknowledges that God’s will shall prevail • NOTE: In this section we find the hope of return and rebuilding. • It is possible that we also find a Messianic hope – as we shall see

  9. Mercy on Zion (12-22) • The Lord will endure (12) • Remembered throughout all generations • Mercy on Zion (13)

  10. Mercy on Zion (12-22) • “For the time to favor her, yes, the set time, has come”(13-14) • The captivity was 70 years (2 Chron. 36:20-21, Jer. 25:11-12) • So was the coming of the Lord (Gal. 4:4)

  11. Mercy on Zion (12-22) • “So nations shall fear the name of the Lord”(15-17) • Cyrus decreed their return (2 Chron. 36:22-23) • He will regard the prayers of the destitute (cf. Luke 4:40-43)

  12. Mercy on Zion (12-22) • “This will be written for the generation to come”(18) • Events preserved by the Lord for our learning • Rom. 15:4, 4:23-24, 1 Cor. 9:9-10, 2 Pet. 1:20-21 • Do we preserve that which we have learned – cf. Deut. 31:19

  13. Mercy on Zion (12-22) • “That a people yet created may praise the Lord”(18) • Generations in Jerusalem • Spiritually, when we obey the gospel 2 Cor. 5:17

  14. Mercy on Zion (12-22) • “God looked down from His sanctuary”(19) • HE heard the cries of prisoners groaning • Spiritually, the “prison” of sin Isaiah 61:1-2 (Lk. 4:18)

  15. Mercy on Zion (12-22) • “Release those appointed to death”(20) • Released after captivity • Released from curse of sin Eph. 2:2-5

  16. Mercy on Zion (12-22) • “To declare His name of the Lord in Zion”(21-22) • Released after captivity did declare His greatness • Do we declare His goodness? 1 Pet. 2:9

  17. Eternity of God (23-28) • The psalmist’s end is near and he pleads for more timeLike Jesus in Garden (Matt. 26:39) • He declares the eternity of God, while the earth will cease • Spoken of Christ in Heb. 1:10-12

  18. Eternity of God (23-28) • His servants will also continue (28) • So will we! Cf.1 Thess. 4:17

  19. The psalmist writes with hope of Judah… …and for us! Where is your hope?

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