Day 149 – Jeremiah: Introduction

“Your wickedness will bring its own punishment. Your turning from me will shame you. You will see what an evil, bitter thing it is to abandon the Lord your God and not to fear him. I, the Lord, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, has spoken!” Jeremiah 2:19 NLT

Most definitions of success involve achieving goals and acquiring wealth, prestige, favour, and power. So-called successful people enjoy the “good life” – being financially and emotionally secure, being surrounded by admirers, and enjoying the fruits of their labour. They are leaders, opinion makers, and trendsetters. Their example is emulated; their accomplishments are noticed. They know who they are and where they are going, and they strive confidently to meet their goals.

By these standards, Jeremiah was a miserable failure. For 40 years, he served as God’s spokesman to Judah, but when he spoke, nobody listened. Consistently and passionately, he urged people to act, but nobody moved. And he certainly did not attain material success. He was poor and underwent severe deprivation to deliver his prophecies. He was rejected by his neighbours, his family, the false prophets and priests, his friends, his audience, and the kings of Judah. He was thrown into prison and into a cistern, and he was taken to Egypt against his will. Throughout his life, Jeremiah stood alone, declaring God’s messages of doom, announcing the covenant and weeping over the fate of his beloved country and people. In the eyes of the world, Jeremiah was not a success. In the eyes of God, he was powerful.

Prayer: Father, when I observe Jeremiah, I see many of us being shunned by the world because of our belief in Jesus Christ. But I also see how You raise Your children as the Body of Christ, working in this world to spread Your truth just as the prophets did. Thank You, Father, for showing us that it is not a “new” experience for us to face persecution and rejection. Choosing You may leave us to stand alone in this world, but we know You stand with us. Amen.