In the previous book, we saw Jeremiah trying so very hard to warn people that God was on the warpath and about to take vengeance on his own people. Hardly anyone really listened to him, and, because of this, the action actually took place. But it is important to understand that Jeremiah did not want any of these things to occur. He was only a messenger.
Prophets historically are treated very poorly by their own country. They often don't approve of the things they are saying, even if those things are supposedly from God. People have a tendency to only listen to people who say things they want to hear, and that is exactly what happened. More so, Jeremiah was actually punished multiple times for just saying what God was telling him.
In the end, he got wrapped up in the same punishment that his people received with the loss of his country. I imagine this was a sad and painful experience that was likely worse than what the people went through. "Lamentations" doubles as both a vent of his personal grief and a lesson to be taken by the Jews after the destruction of Jerusalem and its holy temple.
Most of the book reads like a sad prayer. Two of the chapters reads like poetry. It is very short and simple. Anything longer might not have sounded very sincere. It is grief in its purest form and that is all. Jeremiah had it bad, and I am glad this particular book was included.
I recommend "Lamentations" for no other reason that you understand what Jeremiah, a prophet of God, went through. It is important to understand that prophets don't always have a good life. They tend to be the most hated of all of His servants. It is a good thing to learn, I'd say.
Thank you for reading my blog! Did you enjoy it? Either way, you can comment below, or you can email me at tkwadeauthor@gmail.com. You can also visit my website at www.tkwade.com. Check out my books! Thanks!
Sad, indeed. The people hated Jeremiah for WARNING them of danger. He then suffered what he warned them about because they refused to listen. He was the victim of common stupidity... and there was nothing he could do about it. He tried.
ReplyDeleteHis story is particularly sad because he truly seemed to care, where others didn't. He also loved his country.
DeletePeople tend to hear very little, yet assume much. When they are told what they would rather not hear, they often take their frustrations out on the messenger. The one thing people rarely do is take responsibility.
ReplyDeleteYep. Hardly anyone does.
DeleteI feel for Jeremiah, he did all he could to get the people to listen to the words of God but only suffered for it. If we are chosen by God, wearing a maid's outfit would be the least of our worries it would seem. Fortunately Jeremiah's reward was of The Spirit not of the World of sin.
ReplyDeleteI am sorry he made you do that!
Delete