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)Have you been wondering what God has in store for your life?
The Bible is clear in stating some amazing things about the prophet Jeremiah. Jeremiah preached to the nation of Judah around 600 B.C. Judah was at the time worshipping idols and refusing to follow the pure teaching of God's law. They were continually insincere, dishonest, adulterous, and unloving toward the helpless. Jeremiah was God's man. The bible describes him as the "weeping prophet" in Jeremiah 9:1; 13:17; and 14:17. Jeremiah was weeping over the sin and rebellion of his countrymen and there unwillingness to repent. God would eventually use the nation of Babylon to judge the Israelites. Babylon really had things going for them. Babylon's capital was located on the banks of the Euphrates river. She had a strong government and military, lots of resources, the famous hanging gardens, a massive ziggurat (pyramid), and an advanced level of technology and culture. Babylon was the greatest most modern nation in the world at this time. They had the ancient equivalence of nuclear bombs, iphones, smart cars, and cool clothes. However, they were idolators. Imagine how sad this was for Jeremiah. A nation that worshipped idols and did not acknowledge the Creator God would destroy a nation that God had established to worship, obey and represent Him to the world. How hard would it be to stand not only against the powerful Emperor threatening with the impending envasion of your beloved country, and also against your countrymen who refuse to worship the God who made them a nation? Tough. Jeremiah felt pressure from every direction. How did he hold up under such difficulty? He knew the Lord God, and He relied on him. Consider the following ways Jeremiah was able to continue faithfully serving God, even when all were against him.
Jeremiah acknowledge God's power and sovereignty! "There is no one like You, O LORD ... Who would not fear You, O King of the nations?" (10:6)
Jeremiah acknowledged God's righteousness! "Righteous are You , O LORD" (12:3)
Jeremiah praised God! "For You are my praise" (17:14)
Jeremiah brought his problems to God and trusted God to help him! "Do give heed to me O LORD, and listen to what my opponents are saying" (18:19).
Jeremiah was willing to suffer for God's righteousness sake! "...Know that for Your sake I endure reproach" (15:15)
Jeremiah spoke honestly and truthfully when he spoke to God! "Your Yourself know that the utterance of my lips was in Your presence" (17:16).
Every believer is called to endure with Christ. Let's glean from Jeremiah today and continue faithfully with the Lord.
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