Jeremiah - The Mega-Themes

JEREMIAH 

 

Jeremiah served as a prophet to Judah from 627 BC until the exile in 586 BC.  At the time of Jeremiah’s ministry society was deteriorating economically, politically, and spiritually. Wars and captivity dominated the world scene. God’s word was seen as offensive. Repentance from sin would have postponed Judah’s coming judgment at the hands of Babylon. 

Repentance is one of the greatest needs in our immoral world. God’s promises to the faithful shine brightly by bringing hope for tomorrow and strength for today.

 

The Mega-Themes from Jeremiah

 

            King Josiah’s reformation failed because Judah’s peoples repentance was shallow. They would not stop being selfish and worshipping idols. All the leaders rejected God’s law and His will for the people. Jeremiah jots down all the peoples sins, predicts God’s judgment, and begs for repentance. The deterioration and disaster came from a callous disregard and overall disobedience of God. It’s no different with us today, because when we ignore sin and refuse to listen to God’s warning, we invite disaster. Don’t settle for half measures to removing sin.

            Sin caused Jerusalem to be destroyed, and the Temple to be ruined. The rebellious people of Judah were directly responsible for their own destruction and captivity due to their failing to listen to God’s message.  Unconfessed sin brings God’s judgment against the sinner. We are responsible to God for our own actions and must answer to Him for how we live.

            Because of God’s majestic power and love, our only duty is to submit to God’s authority. We’re to follow his plans, not our own, so we can have a personal, loving relationship with the Lord, serving Him with our whole heart.

            The hope Jeremiah gave to the exiled peoples of Judah was that God would send a shepherd ... a Messiah who would lead them into a new future, a new covenant, and a new hope. This would be accomplished by His changing their sinful hearts into hearts of love for God.

            Jeremiah served as a prophet for God faithfully for 40 years. During those years he was ignored, rejected, and persecuted. By human standards his preaching was unsuccessful, yet to God he was a success because the prophet fulfilled what God had asked him to do. In all that Jeremiah remained faithful to God. Being successful in God’s eyes is far more important that success that is recognized by those around you in the world.

 

            Tomorrow we look at Lamentations ... until then, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministry

Resource: The Life Application Study Bible