Spiritual Characteristics of his Book and ministry (2)

In the previous article, we talked about the most important characteristics of the ministry of Jeremiah who lived 600 years before Christ and served in Jerusalem during the Babylonian captivity.

Jeremiah was faithful in delivering the divine message of repentance and returning to God to the people. We also indicated that this divine message can be summarized from the book of Jeremiah in seven points: Reproach - encouragement – rebuke - guidance – clarifying facts - prophecies - illustrative examples. These seven points may paint a general picture about God’s approach towards His people. Thus, this message is fit for all of humanity throughout all ages.

First, Reproach

+ “Go and cry in the hearing of Jerusalem, saying…” (Jeremiah 2:2).

+ “What injustice have your fathers found in Me, that they have gone far from Me, have followed idols, and have become idolaters?” (Jeremiah 2:5).

+ “Therefore I will yet bring charges against you,” says the Lord, Has a nation changed its gods, which are not gods? But My people have changed their Glory for what does not profit. Be astonished, O heavens, at this, and be horribly afraid; Be very desolate,” says the Lord. “For My people have committed two evils: They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters, And hewn themselves cisterns- broken cisterns that can hold no water” (Jeremiah 2:9-13).

+ “…For they have turned their back to Me, and not their face. But in the time of their trouble, they will say, ‘Arise and save us.’ But where are your gods that you have made for yourselves? Let them arise, If they can save you in the time of your trouble…” (Jeremiah 2:27-28).

+ “Can a virgin forget her ornaments, or a bride her attire? Yet My people have forgotten Me days without number” (Jeremiah 2:32).

+ “To whom shall I speak and give warning, that they may hear? Indeed their ear is uncircumcised, And they cannot give heed. Behold, the word of the Lord is a reproach to them; They have no delight in it.” (Jeremiah 6:10)

+ “Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? No! They were not at all ashamed; Nor did they know how to blush. Therefore they shall fall among those who fall…” (Jeremiah 6:15).

+ “Why has this people slidden back, Jerusalem, in a perpetual backsliding? They hold fast to deceit, they refuse to return. No man repented of his wickedness, Saying, ‘What have I done?” (Jeremiah 8:5-6).

Second, Encouragement

+ “I remember you, the kindness of your youth, the love of your betrothal, when you went after Me in the wilderness, In a land not sown.”  (Jeremiah 2:2)

+ “Return, you backsliding children, and I will heal your backslidings...” (Jeremiah 3:22).

Third, Rebuke

This stems from a true divine love that longs for the returning of the people to the divine bosom. This love convicts the sin and admonishes people as it is evident in these verses:

+ “The priests did not say, ‘Where is the Lord?’ And those who handle the law did not know Me; The rulers also transgressed against Me; The prophets prophesied by Baal, And walked after things that do not profit.” (Jeremiah 2:8).

+ “ Behold, I will plead My case against you, Because you say, ‘I have not sinned.” (Jeremiah 2:35).

+ “For My people are foolish, they have not known Me. They are silly children, And they have no understanding. They are wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge.” (Jeremiah 4:22).

+ “How shall I pardon you for this? Your children have forsaken Me... When I had fed them to the full, then they committed adultery and assembled themselves by troops in the harlots’ houses… Shall I not punish them for these things?” says the Lord.” (Jeremiah 5:7-9).

+ “Be instructed, O Jerusalem, lest My soul depart from you…” (Jeremiah 6:8).

God willing, we will continue the rest of the points of the divine message over the next two articles.