Today’s Tasting: The Book of Jeremiah Introduction and Chapters 1-3:
Jeremiah is considered “The Weeping Prophet” because of the sorrow he felt regarding his messages to Judah of God’s looming judgment and their fate. The messages of rebuke were met with persecution and rejection even though he offered them with encouragement. God had called Jeremiah as a youth though he was reluctant to answer the call. The Lord revealed Jeremiah’s call with two visions given to him of:
- An almond tree branch symbolized “to watch and be wakeful”
- A boiling pot, which symbolized raging war revealing the Babylonian invasion
The Lord said, “I have put my words in your mouth” (Jeremiah 1:9 ESV). Though Jeremiah faced personal trials, he declared words of rebuke, “to pluck up and to break down” and encouragement, “to build and to plant” (see Jeremiah 1:10).
From the playground to the throne, Josiah, an eight-year-old boy succeeded his father as King of Judah during the time of Jeremiah.
Judah and Israel had neglected and forgot the worship of the one true God. Idol worship had become the ordinary way of life for Israel and Judah. Because of such neglect, the Temple of the Lord stood in much need of repair. In Josiah’s eighteenth year as king, he summoned the high priest, Hilkiah, to supervise the Temple’s restoration. During the restoration, Hilkiah found a book in the Temple. He opened the book and shouted:
“I have found the Book of the Law in the house of the Lord” (2 Kings 22:8 ESV)
Hilkiah handed the scroll to Shaphan, the court secretary, who opened the scroll and read it to Josiah. Repentance and remorse gripped the now, twenty-two year old king. Falling to his knees, he wept intensely, realizing the nation’s disobedience to God’s Word.
Jeremiah announced at some point in his prophetic calling, “Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart” (Jeremiah 15:16 ESV).
The Word to Judah throughout Jeremiah’s prophetic ministry, “Return, Repent, and Renew your unfaithfulness to God as His bride” (Jeremiah – paraphrase mine).
Today’s Nourishment: What’s your calling?
Does an age factor hinder you from answering God’s call?
What’s your message?
I heard someone say, “God doesn’t call the equipped, but God equips those whom He calls”. When the Lord calls, He also gives you the message.
Have you, like Jeremiah found His Word to consume and eat for your spiritual food?
Has His Word become to you a joy and delight?
This is my call to “Replenish God’s Word to God’s People” and “Help You Design a full Life in Christ.” I found His Word, and have spent a large portion of my adult life consuming Jesus through His Word and by His Spirit and ministering His Word to the Body of Christ.
The Bible Feast Blog is part of the ministry to which the Lord has called me. Thanks to each of the bloggers who are sharing in this calling. He is equipping you to share His “Found Word” with others. Now, together, we share the message of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Share your calling and message the Lord has given you with us.
Tomorrow’s Delight: Jeremiah 4-6
Carolyn Marlowe, CCLC
Gigi to six adorable grandchildren
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