Intro to Jeremiah
But the LORD said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am only a youth’; for to all to whom I send you, you shall go, and whatever I command you, you shall speak. 8 Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, declares the LORD.” Jeremiah 1:7–8 When the prophet Jeremiah was called by God, things were looking pretty good for Israel. The nation of Judah was being led by a Godly king, Josiah, and the threat from the Assyrian empire was gone since it had collapsed. It was during this time of prosperity and peace that Jeremiah prophesied judgment to come. The majority of the book is around the idolatry of the people and the impending judgment from God due to the people’s rebellion against God. And because we are probably watching a lot of Christmas movies right now, we are waiting for the twist. The point in the book when Jeremiah’s message shifts to a hopeful one. Or perhaps we remember in chapter 16 that Jeremiah is not to marry and have kids (16:2) and so we are hopin...