Jeremiah 1
-This prophetic, historical,
poetic, and biographical book of Scripture details the 40 or so year ministry
of the Prophet Jeremiah, son of Hilkiah, of the priests who were in Anathoth in
the land of Benjamin (Jeremiah 1:1). He prophesied during the reigns of the
last five kings of Judah—Josiah, Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin, and Zedekiah
right before the deportation to Babylon in 586 B.C. (see 2 Kings 21-25). He
spoke the word of the Lord fearlessly in times of distress and idolatry. Even
though his message was never at the time embraced or obeyed, he remained
faithful to his call by God from before he was even in the womb of his mother
(Jeremiah 1:5). He was consecrated for the giving of the Word of the LORD and
appointed as a prophet to the nations (Jeremiah 1:5, 10). He went everywhere
the LORD lead him and spoke as His mouthpiece to a rebellious house, unashamed
and unafraid of man because the Lord was his deliverer (Jeremiah 1:7-10).
-The first image God gives to His
prophet is that of an almond tree. The LORD God was watching over His Word to
perform it (Jeremiah 1:12). He would let no words of His prophet fall to the
ground. The almond tree symbol revealed the beginning of the LORD’s judgment.
The almond tree was among the first trees of spring to blossom revealing a
swift and sudden judgment on the Southern Kingdom for its rejection of the LORD
their God (Jeremiah 1:11). The forces would come from the north as revealed by
the boiling pot to the holy city of Jerusalem (Jeremiah 1:13-16). Jeremiah was
told to gird up his loins (make preparations to move and travel about) and
speak out all God’s commands without fear or trepidation lest he be embarrassed
before the people. God had made his prophet a fortified pillar and city of iron
against the whole land including the highest of peoples. God makes His promise
that they would fight against him, “but they will not overcome you, for I am
with you to deliver you (Jeremiah 1:17-19).”
-*Application* Never fear man
when God has revealed His good and perfect will to you. He will sustain you and
protect even though there may be total rejection by your friends and people
around you. Do the right thing in love!
Verse to Memorize: Jeremiah 1:19
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