Jeremiah was the son of a priest named Hilkiah. God chose him due to his courage to speak to the people of Judah. He began his ministry in 627 BC. He preached to the people of Judah, many of whom had abandoned the commandments of the Lord. They were utterly disrespectful to the Lord. His messages were mainly those of warning. He also preached hope to the people of Judah. Jeremiah had a special place in God’s heart. In Jeremiah verse 5, we see that God had chosen Jeremiah even before he was born. God had a plan ready for him. He wanted Jeremiah to take His words to all nations. In Jeremiah, verse 9-10, we see God’s pronouncement on the task ahead for Jeremiah. God says, “Behold, I have put My words in your mouth. See, I have this day set you over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out and to pull down, to destroy and to throw down, to build and to plant” These two verses summarize the intent of God in choosing Jeremiah. Jeremiah showed great concern over the rebellion by the people of Judah. He weeps in Jeremiah, verse 13. He wonders why Judah’s people would live in so much pride, and total disregard of God’s commandment.
Jeremiah also had a huge role in restoring true worship of the Lord in Judah. In his generation, he oversaw the destruction of many places of worship used by the pagans. These included the destruction of shrines, altars, and various images. He also offered guidance to various kings in the right ways. King Josiah for example, embarked on a journey to return Judah to true worship as seen in 2 nd Chronicles 34:3. The King instituted measures meant to restore the true worship of Yahweh. Jeremiah’s purpose was to put God’s nature into perspective. He was to preach about God’s grace to all the nations. Jeremiah’s message was that of promise, a promise of God’s grace. However, the message needed to be contrasted with that of God’s judgment. Grace and judgment were God’s message to His people.
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Jeremiah fulfilled God’s desire to pass His message to His people. He preached to the people to return to God. He also let the people of Judah know of the awaiting judgment from God. Jeremiah also preached about hope. God’s message of hope can be found in Jeremiah 23:3-8. Jeremiah preached about a messiah who would come in the future to restore God’s kingdom. God’s desire is accomplished through Jeremiah in that a message of God’s mercy is delivered to the people of Judah. God is ready to forgive His people if they repent their sins. It is a sign of a God of second chances. God’s relationship with Jeremiah is also a sign that one can have a deep and meaningful relationship with God. His life shows the need to trust in God at all times. We can see God’s desire being fulfilled even before Jeremiah is born. God knows us before we are born. It sends a message that God has good things for us. It is an assurance that God has all our plans set out (Boadt, 1984) .
In conclusion, Jeremiah ministry was a prophetic one. His purpose was to preach to the people of Judah on repentance, failure to which they would face the wrath of God. Conversely, he sends a message of hope. He preaches God’s mercy to those who repent and change their ways. Despite his preaching, the people of Judah were adamant. God fulfilled his promise, that of destruction. He (God) however, offered to protect His people while in exile. Through Jeremiah, we see the nature of God, a God of second chances.
References
Boadt, L. (1984). Reading the Old Testament: An Introduction. New York: Paulist Press.
The Holy Bible
