Jeremiah lived from 626 BC, ended sometime after 586 BC in an unknown location. He was of a priestly family (1:1) and he speaks much of the priest and their abuse. He probably had seen it first hand (5:30-31, 6:13, 23:11, 23:33).
Jeremiah’s name may mean: Jehovah established, Jehova
Throws, Jehova casts down – no one know exactly.
It is the longest book in the Bible, and also one of
the most complex books. The book is
neither chronologically or thematically structured, but it has 4 main sections:
- The call of the prophet (ch1)
- Prophecies to Judah (2.1-45)- Prophesies to the Gentiles (46.1-51.64)
- The fall of Jerusalem (52)
The Word of God burned in Jeremiah. He spoke mostly to
the Kingdom of Judah, one section to the exiles (ch 29), but also to Egypt,
Philistines, Moab, Ammon, Edom, Babylon and a few cities. He was around in the
same time as Zephaniah, Habakkuk, Daniel and Ezekiel. Jeremiah speaks very real
about his life. He describes more of his life than any other. Sin against God
offended him. He is often called “the weeping prophet”. Very many emotions are
described in the book. A lot of heart issues. Several times he describes how
hard it was in all areas, to be a prophet, and wanted: He was put in stocks (20:2) and arrested (37:13).
What does the book show about the
character and nature of God?
God is shepherd He is the creator - (10:16)
He will take care of people, care for them, give them his Word, discipline them 1.19, 31.33, 32.38, 46.28,
Gods weep over His precious people going astray 14.17
He is a keeper of His word - both the promises of judgment and salvation. Over and over again this is quoted – and it really gives an understanding that Jeremiah is serious about him delivering the messages correct, and also that God is very interested in getting his messages out :
He wants to give His people rest 31.2, 50.31
He loves with unfailing love 31:3
What does this book show about
God´s redemptive plan for mankind?
In 31:31-34 we read about the new covenant that will
be written on the heart’s of Gods people. He speaks about Himself as the living water in 2:13
and we know from NT that Jesus speaks about him having the Living water (John 4:10-11,
John 7:38)
The new shepherd
- a new King – the day Judah will be saved - points forward to God’s
eternal solution – and in 23:4-7 and 34:14-17 we find prophesies about Jesus.
Eventually He will give them hearts that recognizes
Him as Lord - they will return to Him
wholeheartedly (24:7).
I think the scripture in 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you, says
the Lord. They are plans for good and not for
disaster, to give you a future and a hope“ shows God’s heart and redemptive plan for His people.
Personal
Application:
When
Randi teached the class about Jerimaiah, he gave us a strong impact of Gods
huge passion and love for Israel – his own people! He cried out some of the
pain and despair God must have felt for His beloved people – when they refused
to come back to Him. “O my people, listen to the words of the Lord”, God cries
out (2:31).
After
this teaching I think I felt a little glimpse of Gods sorrow – not only for Israel,
but also all the unsaved people in the world today. In the lunch-time
afterwards I had to go for my selves and I wept and cried out to God for people
in my closest family which have not yet received Jesus as their savior.
Point of passion:
My point of passion during my DBS is the
Shan-people in Thailand:
It is a timeless
truth about God that He wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth.
Sin against God offended
Jeremiah and he is often called the weeping prophet. I think his weeping was
because of His close relation to God and identification with God’s pain for the
unsaved world. I pray that more of this passion must burn in me – also for the
Shan-people.
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