INTRODUCTION TO JEREMIAH
Jeremiah served Jerusalem and Judah as a prophet for 40 years before, during, and after the fall of the nation. His message was directed mainly toward the people of Judah, the remaining southern kingdom, after the fall of the northern kingdom of Israel.
Jeremiah was born into a family of priests and called to deliver the words of God to his people at a young age. He was a contemporary of Zephaniah, Habakkuk, Daniel, and Ezekiel. His prophetic ministry consisted of three phases: (1) pre-exile while Judah was under the threat of Assyria and Egypt, (2) Babylonian threat, siege, and destruction of Jerusalem, (3) staying in Jerusalem with survivors and then exile to Egypt. The book of Jeremiah consists of his prophecies on the judgment of Judah, the judgment of the Gentiles, and supplemental narratives of history not written by Jeremiah at the end.
Facing the judgment of God, Jeremiah encouraged his people to repent and remain faithful. His message was unpopular in his time, and he was hated and persecuted throughout his ministry. However, he delivered the message of the LORD with courage and boldness. He is known as the ‘weeping prophet' not because he cried for his own pain but because he deeply cared about the people of Judah and shared the shepherd's heart of God. He deeply understood the weight of his prophecy and wept for the people and God. Even though his desperate appeal to his people was rejected and ignored, he continued guiding the people with the truth.

Jeremiah was born in a Levite family of priests. While he was still young (6), God called him to deliver his words to his people. The young man was reluctant to receive the calling. He felt inadequate.

However, God knew him before his birth, and he would guide him to say the right words. The message he was to bring to God's people was of punishment and destruction, yet with the hope of a future in the Lord. It was a difficult task for Jeremiah since the people had been proud and stubborn in disobeying God's will for generations. Nevertheless, God assures him not to be terrified. As God made him like a fortified city, no man will overcome him with their strength, for God will stand with him and rescue him from any men's fight (19).

Are you reluctant to answer God's calling? Do you feel weak in this world which seems too strong and stubborn? Knowing all your weaknesses, our God is calling you to participate in his work. Accept his calling and receive his vision. He will guide you where to go and what to do.


Application: Father, I am weak and sinful. Yet I find comfort in realizing that you know me. You know how I can be useful to you as you have formed me. Help me to have the courage to accept your calling and let you guide my life for your glory.
One Word: The Lord's calling