The Weeping Prophet

The Weeping Prophet

(Jeremiah and Lamentations)

Yearly Theme:  “Goodness is… Governing”

Series Title:  “Goodness in G minor”

July 14^th, 2024

Something to think about:

Jeremiah’s life of service to GOD was bittersweet.  Though it was fraught with difficulty and rejection by the people, it was also an act of worship unto GOD.  Burdened by the weight of his calling to alert the people to immanent judgment, he remained faithful to do every single thing GOD told him to do.  Even when his life was threatened, even when he suffered great abuses by the people, Jeremiah courageously and humbly proclaimed the truth of GOD’s message without fail.  And though his message was a sorrowful one, and though his heart was broken for the people and for GOD, Jeremiah willingly submitted himself to what most would call a defeating task and a failing ministry.  And though he wouldn’t see it in his lifetime (nor would the to whom he prophesied), there would be a glimmer of hope in GOD’s message through Jeremiah in the distant future for restoration.  Because of the very nature of GOD, even in His anger and wrath, there is still hope for the future.

Key Point:  “GOD’s judgment always comes with the hope of redemption.”

Again, much like Isaiah’s book of prophecy, Jeremiah’s works span 52 chapters in the Old Testament book named after him.  And though we don’t have time to plumb the depths of these chapters in great detail today, we can see an overarching theme in a “fly-over” view of the book of Jeremiah.  The following is a very, very brief summary of Jeremiah’s message:

• GOD  his people.

Jeremiah 14:7-12

• GOD’s people  Jeremiah’s message from GOD.

Jeremiah  26:1-9

• GOD  future restoration of His people under a descendant of King David.

Jeremiah 30:4-11

Something to take home:

Psalm 30:4-5 (NLT),  ⁴  Sing to the LORD, all you godly ones!  Praise his holy name.  ⁵  For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime!  Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning.

Though Jeremiah’s story ends with him (and many, many others) being taken with a remnant of people (against his will) to Egypt for refuge, his message would continue to plague the people who were trying to avoid GOD’s judgment.  Ultimately all that Jeremiah prophesied would come true, and he would be vindicated, though not in his lifetime.  He would die in exile like the rest of the first-generation exiles, but he would also continue to be blessed by GOD for his faithfulness.

I believe there are parallels between Jeremiah’s age and our own.  A once faithful nation to GOD (though not perfect), we feared, revered, and worshiped the LORD as a country.  But like the nation of Judah, and its capital city Jerusalem, we have become so compromised in our worship of modern-day idols that even churches have adopted wicked and perverse ways of celebrating sinful behavior.

Where are the Jeremiahs of our day?  Where are the men and women of faith who are called by GOD to speak truth even when it’s not popular or attractive?  Where are the courageous voices unafraid to speak the truth in love even when that truth may be hard to hear? 

It’s time to take up the mantle of Jeremiah and be a voice of truth in this dry and weary land.  And we must remember… there is always hope!

Key Point:  “GOD’s judgment always comes with the hope of redemption.”