Day 153 – Jeremiah: Character sketch
“O, Sovereign Lord,’ I said, ‘I can’t speak for you! I’m too young!’ The Lord replied, ‘Don’t say ‘I’m too young,’ for you must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you. And don’t be afraid of the people, for I will be with you and will protect you. I, the Lord, have spoken!” Jeremiah 1:6-8 NLT
Endurance is not a common quality. Many people lack the long-term commitment, caring, willingness, and yes, even stubbornness that are vital to sticking with a task against all odds. But Jeremiah was a prophet who endured. His call from God teaches how intimately God knows us. He valued us before anyone else knew we would exist. He cared for us while we were in our mothers’ wombs. He planned our lives while our bodies were still being formed. He values us more highly than we value ourselves.
Jeremiah had to depend on God’s love as he developed endurance. His audiences are usually antagonistic or apathetic to his messages. He was ignored; his life was often in danger. He saw both the excitement of spiritual awakening and the sorrow of a national return to idolatry. With the exception of the good king Josiah, Jeremiah watched king after king ignore his warnings while leading the people further and further away from God. He saw fellow prophets murdered, and he was severely persecuted.
Jeremiah responded to all of this with God’s message and human tears. He felt firsthand God’s love for his people and the people’s rejection of it. But even when he was angry with God and tempted to give up, Jeremiah knew he had to keep going. God called him to endure.
Strengths and accomplishments
Jeremiah was the author of this bundle of prophecies compiled in the book of Jeremiah and the following book, Lamentations. He ministered during the reigns of the last five kings of Judah and was a catalyst for the great spiritual reformation under King Josiah. He acted as God’s faithful messenger despite many attempts on his life.
Life lessons from Jeremiah’s life
The majority of opinions in the world are not necessarily God’s will. Although punishment for sin is severe, God’s mercy offers truth and hope. Faithful serving God does not guarantee earthly security.
Prayer: Father, thank You for the beautiful example of endurance through the character of Jeremiah. He is an exemplar of faith-based endurance through joyous and sorrowful seasons. May our endurance to be committed and live fully for Christ be evident in our lives. Amen.
