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Jeremiah 13 Commentary
by Brad Boyles
Burdens for people can be so heavy. When we sense that the ways of Jesus are not a priority in someone’s life, there is heartache and sorrow. God brings our attention to His heart which breaks over those who just will not bend the knee. This was the case for Jeremiah!
He watched his people make choices that led them into the dark. They were completely indifferent to both God’s words that had come so boldly as well as Jeremiah’s words of warning. Chapter after chapter we see Jeremiah pleading for the people to be driven back to their God and not the gods they had chosen to follow. Jeremiah is deeply moved to tears. He is heated with righteous anger.
Unlike the people of Judah, Jeremiah recognized the times, and the soon-to-be invasion from Babylon. He saw all the turmoil and devastation their choices were about to bring. Although they were unconcerned, Jeremiah’s heart continued to break at their blindness.
What does this currently look like for you?
Jeremiah was not special in the sense that he was worthy to see and know these things. Yes, he was obedient, but God chose to reveal His heart and his plan just like He did the people. Jeremiah responded. The insight that was gained was not a waste. Jeremiah’s call was to weep for his people. His call was to be burdened for their sin. His mission was to proclaim truth even though Babylon was coming. These were tough times, no doubt. But, this is was Jeremiah’s purpose in God’s master plan.
In terms of great success stories and mighty warriors, Jeremiah would fall to the bottom of the list by human standards. By God’s, however, he was faithful. He did what was asked despite the toll it took on his mind, his heart, and his physical being. Many times as Christians we romanticize our faith into a happy-go-lucky life of blessings.
What if God calls you to proclaim truth to the deaf? What if God asks you to lead the blind? What if God’s plan for you is to weep over another’s sin? What if He asks you to boldly speak accountability into their life? What if your purpose in life is to walk with people who repeatedly fall day after day after day? Will you do it?