May 27, 2014 (Tuesday)
The previous blog was about Isaiah; this one is about Jeremiah and includes Lamentations, a short book expressing Jeremiah’s sorrowful feelings in poetry. Jeremiah was called to his prophetic role during the reign of Josiah, a good king in contrast to his father Amon, and his grandfather, Manasseh, who were among the most wicked people to occupy the throne. Israel, the northern kingdom, had fallen to the Assyrians, but Judah ignored the signs of its own demise and continued down the path of idolatry. Josiah instituted reforms and attempted to bring the nation back to God. Jeremiah’s prophetic ministry existed alongside a king who wanted Judah to return to God, and the kings who succeeded him, who did not follow in Josiah’s steps. Jeremiah suffered at the hands of unfaithful prophets, wicked priests, and ruthless kings. He was ridiculed, imprisoned, and persecuted in many ways. He told the truth. He was like “one man against the world,” and though a passive person by nature, was obedient to speak the Lord’s message of coming destruction by the new kingdom of Babylon which would replace the declining empires of Assyria and Egypt. Jeremiah’s prophecies, however, were not all gloom and doom, for he spoke of the return from captivity and a New Covenant which would be spiritual in nature, written on human hearts instead of stony tablets.
Jereimiah and Lamentations – Devotional thoughts
Jeremiah was called, “The Weeping Prophet,” because of the sadness he felt as he proclaimed God’s judgment upon sin. How long has it been since we have shed tears over the neglect or outright opposition to God in our own nation?
Jeremiah spoke of a New Covenant that would someday come to the people. As Jesus instituted “The Lord’s Supper” with His disciples, he spoke of “the New Covenant in my blood.” As believers you and I are participants in this new covenant. By grace we are saved through faith in Jesus Christ as Savior, He forgives all our sins and we promise to live for Him. His law is written in our hearts.
