Ode to Jeremiah

Jeremiah, the weeping prophet, had a pretty tough life.  His time as a prophet spanned several Judaic kings, beginning with the last of the godly kings, Josiah.  Josiah had instituted spiritual reforms among the whole nation, but the Israelis, as was their habit, lapsed spiritually shortly after.

G^d called Jeremiah to point out the sins of His people and call them into repentance.  He was told by G^d to promulgate the forthcoming fall of the Hebrews and the captivity by the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar.

Jeremiah faced:

• Rejection by his family
• Opposition by other prophets who falsely prophesied
• Rejection by the Nation of Israel
• Being carried into captivity
• Being the bearer of very bad news
• Being the bearer of a very grim prediction of future events for his country and people
• Being thrown into a muddy cistern
• Being carried into captivity in Egypt where he died.

Hmm, not exactly a "bed of roses".

But Jeremiah was given these words to share,

 ^"23 Thus says the Lord, “Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches; ²⁴ but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord who exercises lovingkindness, justice and righteousness on earth; for I delight in these things,” declares the Lord."   Jer. 9.

So Jeremiah remained faithful to his call from G^d regardless of circumstances.  Jeremiah never saw the nation he loved return to G^d.  There was no great reward in THIS LIFE.

So, will we remain faithful in the face of adversity?

Some will.