The Book of Jeremiah is full of the most widely quoted and deeply meaningful scriptures in the Bible. Jeremiah inspired by God also wrote the Book of Lamentations. The Book of Jeremiah has more words than any other book of Holy Scriptures; wise to memorize to learn and teach in “spirit and truth.” The right scripture spoken at the right time can unlock and reach one’s heart and others. Jeremiah’s walk with God is inspiring; full of heartache and trials. God walked with Jeremiah, first spoke to him as a child, in prison, through much persecution; while all the time Jeremiah desperately longed for God who told Jeremiah as quoted at chapter one verse five:
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born, I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” Jeremiah 1:5
The devotion and obedience Prophet Jeremiah felt for the God of Israel while the prophet experienced agonizing, unending pain and emotional distress as a result of his prophetic calling is insurmountable. He drew closer to God and knew Him well as a result of his suffering. There is scripture which ties suffering and spiritual completion or maturity in Hebrews 2:10. It states: “In bringing many sons and daughters in glory, it was fitting the God, for whom and through all things exist, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through what he suffered.” Another similar verse is found in Hebrews 5:8-9 which notes that Jesus “learned obedience from what He suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation.”
“Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.” (Jeremiah 9:23-24) Our merciful Creator God loves us deeply.
“Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by your name, O Lord, God of hosts.” Jeremiah 15:16
“There is none like you, O Lord; you are great, and your name is great in might.” Jeremiah 10:6
“It is He who made the earth by His power, who established the world by His wisdom, and by His understanding stretched out the heavens.” Jeremiah 10:12
The most direct scriptures in the Book of Jeremiah regarding his agonizing suffering and his inner turmoil are as follows:
Jeremiah known as the “Weeping Prophet” cries out in deep anguish and frustration. He asks God, “Why is my pain unending and my wound incurable, refusing to be healed?” He then compares God to a deceitful brook or water that fails, expressing a crisis of faith and feeling let down. He endured profound loneliness, rejection and persecution and daily violence by his friends and family and people in the squares. God warned him that his own neighbors and family are plotting against him. (Jeremiah 12:6) God told Jeremiah he was not to be married which was an expectation of a man’s completeness at the time. In his frustration, Jeremiah cried out to God that his ministry made him a laughingstock. His most intense laments are found at Jeremiah 12 and 20 when he questions God’s justice and complains of betrayal. God did not punish Jeremiah for his raw complaints; God responded offering him strength, tough love, and a promise of ultimate deliverance.
God promised to make Jeremiah a “fenced brazen wall” that enemies cannot overcome. (15:20) “For I know the plans I have for you,” declared the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” This is our God speaking from His heart for Jeremiah and for all of us to understand the heart of our Creator. Our God of love. It is refreshment for our heart and soul. We have nothing to fear or really complain of when we understand God.
“The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?”(17:9)
Although Jeremiah thought to stop preaching, he confesses God’s word was like a “burning fire” in his bones and that he could not hold back. (Jeremiah 20:9) He wrote he just couldn’t understand why the wicked prosper and treacherous people succeed. “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” (33:3)
Jeremiah was there during the seize of Jerusalem in 586 BC when King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon took at least 18 months to destroy and burn God’s temple in Jerusalem and the royal palace causing rampant starvation. Most of the people were brought to Babylon. Jeremiah was trapped in Jerusalem during the siege, survived the tragedy, was released from prison and chose to stay in the ruined land.
By words the Book of Jeremiah is the longest book in the Bible. Jeremiah uses a metaphor of idolatry as adultery, and he uses the language of prostitution, promiscuity, and unfaithfulness to describe how Israel has given their allegiance to other gods. He constantly accuses Israel’s corrupt leaders. God said to Jeremiah, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord. Thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” (Jeremiah 29:11) Later in his life, Jeremiah travelled to Egypt where he died and there is nothing said about his death or burial. Remember, he was betrayed by his family and always walked alone.
How can Christians not absolutely love our PROPHET JEREMIAH who persevered throughout his entire life through egregious sufferings and could not have loved our Creator God more. He is one of the finest examples of perseverance and immeasurable love for God. On a personal note: I always thought I loved Joseph, son of Israel more than any man in the Bible. The more I meditate on the life and trials of Jeremiah, I’m sure I love Jeremiah, my brother with all of my heart too.
Always Christian with love from Anne Fisher Foundation. Women Protecting Women and Children