The Weeping Prophet

What is up with Jeremiah?  His life, at least what we’re able to see of it from the book by his name, was filled with uncertainty, change, anger then compassion, fear then boldness…  He was, by nature, a timid man - not exactly what we think of when we think of a prophet of the Lord - yet when he faced corrupt kings or people bent on his destruction, he was often fearless…then he would return to God pleading with God about his deep, inner struggles.  He questioned God - 12:1 “You are always righteous, O Lord, when I bring a case before you.  Yet I would speak with you about your justice:  Why does the way of the wicked prosper?  Why do all the faithless live at ease?”  He prayed for God’s people even when God said, “so do not pray for this people or offer any petition for them…for I will not listen to you” (7:16).  He hammered false prophets - he said they are “repulsive” and “like Sodom to me” (23:14).  He wept for the people of his country while at the same time leveling devastaing prophecies and accusations toward them.  In 20:13-14 he says, “sing to the Lord! Give praise to the Lord!” then in the same breath, “Cursed be the day I was born…why did I ever come out of the womb to see trouble and sorrow?”

So what was Jeremiah like?  Well…he was……normal.

~ by ryanmcbride on February 23, 2007.