July 18, 2025 - Jeremiah 16-21

Just a note that Jeremiah neither married nor had children (16:2).  This was to emphasize that the coming judgment would be so severe that it was better that Jeremiah not have a wife and children to care for.

More parables from Jeremiah:  the soft clay that must be reworked (ch. 18) and the hardened clay pot that must be broken (ch. 19).  Jeremiah's message is hard, and it results in opposition by the priest Pashhur (ch. 20) and the prophet being beaten and put into stocks.  But Jeremiah does not stop telling the truth, i.e., that Jerusalem will fall to Babylon (ch. 21).  And the very ones who have persecuted Jeremiah will themselves be judged (21:7).  The Lord is pleased with his faithful servants, and he will avenge them.  Until all things are made right, we will pray and live as those who trust God in all situations and at all times.

May the God of hope go with us ev’ry day,

Filling all our lives with love and joy and peace.

May the God of justice speed us on our way,

Bringing light and hope to ev’ry land and race.

Praying, let us work for peace,

Singing, share our joy with all,

Working for a world that's new,

Faithful when we hear Christ's call.   –Alvin Schutmaat (1990)