Jeremiah, known as the weeping prophet, saw terrible things about to come upon his people. In his day, it was rare for someone to have this much concern over the spiritual state of his nation.
My heart, my heart—I writhe in pain! My heart pounds within me! I cannot be still. For I have heard the blast of enemy trumpets and the roar of their battle cries. (Jeremiah 4:19, NLT)
A False Sense of Security
Jeremiah saw that the people had a false sense of security. As a prophet pronouncing warnings and calling for repentance, he was going against the popular narrative of the day.
An appalling and horrible thing has happened in the land: the prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests rule at their direction; my people love to have it so… (Jeremiah 5:30–31, ESV) …From prophets to priests, they are all frauds…They give assurances of peace when there is no peace. (Jeremiah 6:13–14, NLT)
A Grave Reality
The truth, however, was grave.
Were they ashamed when they committed abomination? No, they were not at all ashamed; they did not know how to blush. Therefore they shall fall among those who fall; at the time that I punish them, they shall be overthrown,” says the Lord. (Jeremiah 6:15, ESV) …I am bringing disaster upon this people, the fruit of their devices… (Jeremiah 6:19, ESV)
The Compassion of the Prophet
What did Jeremiah do? He wept, warned, and called for repentance. But in his society, he was considered a liar, even a windbag full of conspiracy (Jeremiah 5:12–13). What a picture of how the world sees the Christian, the Bible, and Christianity—it’s all just wind! As believers, let us not grow weary in weeping, warning, and compassion for the lost. God’s plan is still to reach many through us! What a God to be so patient!
Thank you for joining me as I read and journal chronologically through the Bible! This devotional reflection comes from Jeremiah 4-6.