Jeremiah is considered one of our faith’s major prophets, as well as the author of the Old Testament book of the same name. In addition to the Book of Jeremiah, the Book of Lamentations is a series of poems attributed to him following the destruction of Jerusalem. He is held in such high esteem by the church that he’s been honored with his painted likeness by Michelangelo on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. Yet if there was one thing you should remember above all others about him, it is this - that Jeremiah extolled continuously cultivating an individual relationship with God. Jeremiah lived during an extremely tumultuous time for the people of Israel. Nebuchadnezzar conquered Jerusalem and plundered and destroyed the Temple. The people were sent into exile. The city was overrun and lay in ruin, and the enemy was in total control. It was a time without hope and a time without joy. When you read some of the words that Jeremiah uses to lament His people’s despair, it’s hard to believe that even a trace of hope could survive.
“He is a bear lying in wait for me, a lion in hiding; he led me off my way and tore me to pieces; he has made me desolate; he bent his bow and set me as a mark for his arrow. He shot into my vitals the arrows of his quiver; I have become the laughing-stock of all my people, the object of their taunt-songs all day long.”
Wow! What an amazing example of the written word capturing our deepest emotions and fears and recording it in a way that we can all relate to. But Jeremiah was not a great prophet and strong man of God simply because he could bring to life the darkness his people faced. Instead, we celebrate him because he was equally capable of trusting in a God who would not forget or disavow, reject or cast aside the children He created and loves with such enormity. The same poem later includes this steadfast reminder of God’s long-term plan and trustworthiness.
“For the Lord will not reject forever. Although he causes grief, he will have compassion according to the abundance of his steadfast love; for he does not willingly afflict or grieve anyone.”
A person’s true health (and, for that matter, the health of a community) can be measured physically, mentally and emotionally – but all of these measures rely exclusively on a positive spiritual human condition. Jeremiah knew this. He knew the darkness would fade to light and he knew that God’s love is the great antidote to all of life’s tragedy and misfortune. And he wants us to know it also. So take time today to count your blessings even when you find it difficult not to dwell on your troubles. Tear down any walls and barriers that prevent your relationship with God from expanding. Thank Him for being a God who doesn’t turn away from the faithful even when our lives verge on crumbling. Take time to pray for our broken bodies, our failing relationships, the unknown future of the church, our suffering communities, our weary souls, and for those who haven’t yet come to know the Lord. Continue unceasingly with these healing prayers. The combined power of prayer and the power of the Holy Spirit offers unfailing proof that it is indeed a new day now that Christ has come. Christ is the gift that erases all injustice and gives hope for tomorrow and for all people. Hallelujah! God’s love for us is beyond amazing.
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