1. A Prayer of the Afflicted Psalm 102

2. 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 time Like 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?