Jeremiah’s life was hard. In fact, his life was an object lesson of sorts, displaying the suffering the nation would endure. The Lord instructed Jeremiah, “You shall not take a wife, nor shall you have sons or daughters in this place. For . . . both great and small shall die in this land” (16:2,6). Jeremiah’s pain would only be multiplied by losing a wife and children.
On this Memorial Day, we remember and honor those who have fallen in battle to protect our nation. We call them “heroes,” and rightly so. But, oh my, what a hero was Jeremiah! Against the worst possible opposition, his life beset with painful experiences, still, the prophet remained faithful. In proclaiming his message, he used parables (his own life a parable of sorts). In chapter 18, the Lord gives him a vision of the potter and the clay. In the following chapter, Jeremiah sees the hardened flask. The message? At one point, there was hope that the people, like the soft clay, could be molded into a faithful nation. They had reached the point, however, that, like a hardened flask, there was nothing to do but break it and start over. Can any of us imagine having to preach this message for 40 years, that the end was near! Surely, Jeremiah must be included in the lineup of heroes who have “suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment” (Hebrews 11:36,37) and yet remained faithful. Oh, the heroes of our faith!
The heroes of Scripture
with hearts full of faith,
their eyes on the city,
engaged in the race.
With hope in the promise,
encouraged to see
invisible glories
and joys yet to be.
Consider your mighty Savior King
enduring the cross,
and run with a holy joyful strength
the race to the last. –John Tindall