July 19, 2024 - Jeremiah 26-30

“In the beginning of the reign of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah, this word came from the Lord” (26:1).  And what was that word?  “It may be they will listen, and every one turn from his evil way, that I may relent of the disaster that I intend to do to them because of their evil deeds” (26:3).  A key wording here, I think, is “every one.”  The future destruction of Jerusalem at the hands of the Babylonians has  already been announced and is certain to happen.  Early in his ministry, Jeremiah was told by God that the nation would fall, and the people would go into exile.  There is no hope for the nation as a nation.  But there is hope for every/any one who will listen and turn from their evil deeds.  As he pleads with the nation, can you sense the desperateness in Jeremiah’s words?  “Why will you and your people die by the sword, by famine, and by pestilence, as the Lord has spoken concerning any nation that will not serve the king of Babylon?  Do not listen to the words of the prophets who are saying to you, ‘shall not serve the king of Babylon,’ for it is a lie that they are prophesying to you” (27:13-14).  It is a lie that the nation will survive, but if any –ANY! – will turn, even though it is late, and the Babylonians are not far away, they will be saved.

The hymn has been slammed for its seeming depiction of Jesus merely as a waiting Savior unable to do anything except helplessly wait for someone to come to him.  Well, there is that.  But Jesus is a patient and waiting and seeking Savior!  Hear the words and passion of Jesus as he weeps over Jerusalem:  “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it!  How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!” (Matthew 23:37).  The same passion with which Jeremiah cried out to the people.

Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling

Calling for you and for me

See on the portals He's waiting and watching

Watching for you and for me

Come home, come home

Ye who are weary come home

Earnestly, tenderly Jesus is calling

Calling, “O sinner come home.”   -- Will L. Thompson (1880)