Jeremiah's Message

I had a cat named Jeremiah. Actually, I think we had three cats with that name. Maybe I should ask my Mom why that name was chosen?? Anyway, all of the pictures testify that each of these cats were black and white in coloring. (That little piece of trivia may or may not fit your idea of the prophet Jeremiah, but hold that thought.) The Lord has been teaching me so much about His patience, as we read through the Bible this year. Repeatedly, He warns Israel of the consequence of going her own way. Repeatedly, I see myself in this story.

Jeremiah was given an unpopular message. He was alive during the last days of Israel as a nation. The ten northern tribes had been given into the hands of the Assyrians, and the remaining tribes of Judah and Benjamin were about to be turned over to the pagan Babylon, which was ruled by Nebuchadnezzar, whom, interestingly enough, God called "My servant." Jeremiah warned Israel of doom and vengeance, and for it was hated. He prophesied a 70yr captivity to Babylon. It's so interesting to study about this in Daniel and how it all lines up! He had been given a word that "burned in his bones" but brought great pain to tell. He was the "weeping prophet." He mourned for his people. He was forbidden to marry or have children (ch 16), and he was likely alone in the world.....and what an awful world it had become!

Jeremiah was given a long, but short message. This prophet proclaimed the word of the Lord for 40 years! Have you ever wondered how many times you have to repeat yourself to those precious children you are training?? (Please Lord, tell me they'll hear me before they are 40!) I wonder if Jeremiah believed this was useless after preaching for that long? He never saw any heart-changes in the people he lived among. They were so stubborn and blinded by sin, they didn't even care about this God anymore. Did Jeremiah feel that he had been pleading with this stiff-necked people for far too long? I mean, it had been 40 yrs! It was a long message.....or was it? The message was actually short and simple. "Come back to Me, and I will restore to you the joy of your salvation."

Jeremiah was given a hopeful message. Jeremiah's message was actually like my cats....black and white. It had to have been very clear after 40yrs what the prophet was saying. Yet, the people chose their bondage over the word of the Lord. I wonder what your captivity looks like today? Does it look like mine?? Is it financial bondage, that you keep returning to? Is it a physical sin that seems impossible to break? Is it an unrest in your spirit over something beyond your control? I wonder if we often respond to the truth in the way those Israelites did? Do you plug your ears when you are convicted of needed a change in your life? I know I've done it. The Bible teaches that there will come a time when the people will not hear the truth. This is scary to me. I don't want to be a captive, or be in any bondage. Let's give it to Him. Let's embrace the hope He offers. "Hear the word of the Lord, and return to Him." Let's walk His paths, let Him teach us His ways. And, one more thing...........let's bring another sister along with us.