INTRODUCTION TO JEREMIAHJeremiah the prophet was called in his youth to deliver God's message of impending judgment for his unfaithful people, Judah, as well as judgment upon the nations for their sin and rebellion. He rebuked their idolatry and warned them for 40 years until Babylon came and defeated them, carrying off many to exile. Jeremiah has been called 'the weeping prophet' for his tears for his people, but he was also a bold and clear messenger of God's word. His book is a compilation of notes and prophecies and is not always chronological. Jeremiah warned his people to submit to Babylon, but they preferred to depend on Egypt instead. Traditionally, Jeremiah and his assistant Baruch were taken to Egypt with the rebels and they probably died there. Jeremiah's message to repent was not well received. Only a few people agreed with him. But Jeremiah's words came to pass, showing he was a true prophet of the Lord. Some of the well-known verses in Jeremiah are regarding: the human heart's wickedness (17:9), the promise of the Messiah as a righteous Branch (23:5; 33:15), settling down in Babylon and praying for it (29:5-7), seventy years in Babylon prophesied (29:10), plans to prosper the people of Israel and not harm them in Babylon (29:11), and the new covenant where God would write his law on the people's hearts (31:31-34).
THE LORD CALLS JEREMIAH
1. Go to everyone I send you (1-10)
God called Jeremiah in his youth during King Josiah's reign. Josiah was an idol-smashing king. But his reforms were too late to save Judah from destruction. Jeremiah felt too young to speak God's message. But the Lord promised to be with him and rescue him. Jeremiah's message was one of doom, but would also plant hope.
2. Say whatever I command you (11-19)
Jeremiah had two visions: an almond tree ("watching") and a boiling pot tilting from the north. Judgment was coming from the north because of their wickedness in forsaking God and worshiping idols. Jeremiah had to speak God's word. He would stand like an iron pillar and bronze wall against the whole land. Jeremiah's people would fight against him and his message, but the Lord promised to be with him and rescue him. He only had to speak what God commanded him to say.
Application: Lord, help me to believe your word and speak it faithfully, even if it is not popular. Call faithful servants of your word.
One Word: Speak the Lord's word faithfully