The Valley of Humiliation

THE VALLEY OF HUMILIATION
TEXT: Lamentations ch. 1

SUMMARY: As the prophet laments the fall of Jerusalem, he reveals an important truth in God’s dealings with man: that even the elect may be brought through the valley of humiliation before they can appreciate the mountaintop of God’s blessing.

I. BY GOD’S DECREE, SHE DESCENDED TO GREATNESS, vv. 1-11.
A. Blessed in Her People.
B. Blessed in Her Position.
C. Blessed in Her Power.
D. Blessed in Her Provisions.

II. BY GOD’S DECREE, SHE DESCENDED TO HUMILIATION, vv. 12-22.
Beginning in v. 12, the city herself speaks, first looking around, to passers-by; then inward, to her own soul; then upward, to God.
A. To Passers-by, Sincere Acknowledgment, vv. 12-15.
B. Within herself, Humble Repentance, vv. 16-19.
C. To God, a Plea for Mercy, vv. 20-22.