Jeremiah The Prophet

Tonight's Scripture Reading: Jeremiah 1:1-3

Jeremiah, a prophet of God. A man who kept a record of the final prophesies of Judea. Written between 630 to 580 B.C. He warned of destruction without repentance. A plea from Jeremiah to “Turn back to God”. Jeremiah had knowledge of what was and is to come. Let’s look at Jeremiah the Prophet of God and what he had to say.

Who is Jeremiah?:

A Prophet created and called by God:

Jeremiah 1:5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”

Called by God to warn the nations, to warn us. Warn us about what? Man’s deceitfulness:

Jeremiah 17:9 “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?”

Jeremiah loved Judea and his people but he loved God more. He grieved about delivering God’s messages. He was obedient and did what God asked of him. He hoped and prayed for mercy on Judea. He trusted that God was just, righteous and good. He recognized it is more important to obey to God than our own desires, to trust in God’s wisdom and perfect plan. For the benefit of His children:

Romans 8:28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

What Was His Message?:

Judgment for Judea for idolatry: Jeremiah 7:30-34 / 16:10-13 / 22:9 / 32:29. Judea abandoned God after King Josiah died.

He compared them to a prostitute: Jeremiah 2:20 / 3:1-3

God promised severe punishment for idolatry: Leviticus 26:31-33 Jeremiah was warning Judea that punishment was at hand. God had delivered them from destruction many times and His patience was wearing thin.

What Happened?

Jeremiah 24:1 “After Jehoiachin son of Jehoiakim king of Judah and the officials, the craftsmen and the artisans of Judah were carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, the Lord showed me two baskets of figs placed in front of the temple of the Lord.”. Occupation of King Nebuchadnezzar but they continued sin and rebellion. What happened next?

Jeremiah 52 The destruction of Judea, total destruction. King Zedekiah’s family killed in front of him, all his Officials killed, his eyes plucked from him, shackled and bound and put in prison till death. God’s promise fulfilled.

What’s Next?

Jeremiah 29:10 “This is what the Lord says: When seventy years are completed for Babylon I will come to you and fulfill my gracious promise to bring you back to this place.”. Restoration,Forgiveness.

What Does That Have To Do With Us Today?

Jeremiah 23:5-6 “The days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will raise up to David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land. In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. This is the name which he will be called: The Lord our righteousness. The prophecy of Jesus Christ.

The “Branch” from the house of David (Matthew 1)

The King of wisdom and righteousness (Revelation 11:15)

Recognized by Israel as the True Messiah and salvation for his chosen ones (Romans 11:26)

They Key word “Recognize” Jesus as Messiah. It is yet to be done

Fast Forward To Today:

Where are we today? Lawless, worshipers of idols, lovers of ourselves, wicked, lovers of money, disobedient, etc.

2Timothy 3:2 “People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God-having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them.”

Sound like the world around us? Where is your heart? Do you hang out with these people? Do you know what is to come? Are you prepared?

Jeremiah, a profit of God, a messenger for all the nations. Heed his warnings. Change your lifestyle if you already haven’t. Come to God. Destruction is inevitable, men’s hearts are deceitful. Society is turning from God as the Israelites did. Look around, do you see the similarities of Jeremiah’s time today? History repeats itself, are you ready?