Jeremiah surely knew what a knotted stomach and knocking knees felt like.
He was a nobody, really. Just a pastor’s kid from the smallest tribe in all of Israel (Jeremiah 1:1), born into an era of such widespread upheaval, blending in must have felt necessary for survival. Yet he could not blend. He could not play it safe. God Himself put a megaphone up to Jeremiah’s mouth and commanded him to speak a bold message to a broken nation.
So, speak, Jeremiah did.
When the kings of Judah disobeyed the Lord, Jeremiah spoke of true authority (Jeremiah 22:6–7).
When the leaders of his nation were carted away into captivity, Jeremiah spoke an unlikely message of future hope (Jeremiah 29:4–28).
When God’s chosen people had been nearly wiped from their land of promise, Jeremiah spoke a sermon of unfathomable grace (Jeremiah 39:16–18).
They threw him in a pit; Jeremiah kept speaking (Jeremiah 38:6).
They threatened his life; Jeremiah kept speaking (v24).
Though his words seemed to fall to the ground without changing a single heart or mind, Jeremiah kept speaking. We call him the “weeping prophet,” but he was, more accurately, the speaking prophet—faithful to declare every word God gave him.
The words of the Lord burned in his belly, leaked out of his tear ducts, and boomed from his vocal chords. But why? What motivated Jeremiah to prophesy faithfully against such unthinkable opposition?
The powerful presence of God alone compelled him. For the Lord Himself declared, “Do not be afraid of anyone, for I will be with you to rescue you. This is the LORD’s declaration” (Jeremiah 1:8).
Jeremiah was an unexpected prophet with an unprecedented message. Still, in many ways, the call of God has not changed.
And if you are in Christ, He’s placed a megaphone over your mouth. You’re the one assigned to proclaim that Jesus is the one true King, that His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, that the path of sin can only lead to destruction, and the path of righteousness leads to everlasting life. Isn’t this the essence of what Jesus meant when He told us, “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19–20)?
Sure, it’s easier to blend in, but Christ-follower that you might be, blending is not the call. Whether you stand before kings or kindergarteners, preach the gospel and receive applause or scorn, you can (and should) proclaim the truth with Jeremiah’s conviction knowing that the God who stood beside Jeremiah surrounds you as well.
What God once spoke to Jeremiah, Jesus promised to all of us, “And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age (v.20).
God is with us (always).
He’s entrusted us with the message of hope for the captives.
Like Jeremiah, let us speak and keep speaking, boldly. Until He comes.
Leave a Reply
85 thoughts on "Jeremiah"
❤️
I love Jeremiah and God’s promises are never broken but spoken. No one can change is word!❤️
❤️
❤✝️ You are with me always!
✝️
JESUS is the one true King. No earthly “leader”. “All nations” not just the U.S. over everyone else. God loves and cares for ALL people. We are commanded to love. ❤️
Amen!
Hey Shes
I like the way it was presented in the SRT podcast for this week. Jeremiah felt, as did Moses, insecure & incapable of confronting kings & pharaoh. But it was never about their strength, but His sufficiency.
Never what they alone could do. But what God above all would do. Let us understand. Whatever is at hand. Wherever we find ourselves. We are His instruments. Powered by an awesome Lord.
So let us pray to get out of our own way! It’s about Him. Not us.
Yes! Amen Gwineth! Not my strength, (Lord knows it’s not my ability to “teach” or “Pray outloud!”) but his sufficiency!
Amen ❤
❤️ Let us pray to get out of our way! ❤️
Jeremiah, just an everyday guy, obediently pressing on. Such a great example to us. I appreciate few lines in particular that Erin wrote in the devotional.
-You’re the one assigned to proclaim that Jesus is the one true King.
-Sure, it’s easier to blend in, but Christ-follower that you might be, blending in is not the call.
-Like Jeremiah, let us speak and keep speaking, boldly. Until He comes.
Its no one else’s job except mine to fulfill the role God has called me to and to do so confidently and boldly. Simple as that, but definitely a challenge. Many a day, I feel ill equipped for such a task. But, in reading through our scripture today, these key words that speak of who God is and what He has for us, what He is ready to do for us, how He equips us, are so encouraging, hopeful and empowering and remind me (us) to keep going: future, hope, call, pray, listen, seek, search, restore.
We are not alone on the task a
He has assigned to us to fulfill the call that is before is. Heavenly Father, help me to be willing and obedient to all you have called me to do. To not miss an opportunity to point others to you and to be faithful in it all. Amen.✝️
Amen!
❤️
Amen, indeed! ❤️
Amen ❤
Praying for the requests and pain that some are you are facing this morning. YOU, my dear sweet sisters are SO strong and GREAT example of Christlike more than you think. Love you all. Rhonda, sorry to hear of your nephew, but so glad he has you praying for him. Cheryl Blow…praying.
Like SEARCHING, i was intrigued by the person of Ebed-Melech One article stated that he had a minor role, but a command performance.
That made me think back over my life. Who has had a MINOR role but made a MAJOR impact? Turning that question around: In whose life have I had a minor role, but made a huge impact?
.
Notes from Bible Hub re: Ebed-Melech-
“God honors those who act justly and place their trust in Him, even in the face of great personal risk.
Theological Significance: Ebed-melech’s account serves as a powerful example of faith and righteousness. His actions demonstrate the importance of standing up for truth and justice, even when it is unpopular or dangerous. Ebed-melech’s trust in God and his willingness to act on behalf of the oppressed reflect the biblical call to love one’s neighbor and to act with courage and integrity. His narrative also illustrates God’s providential care and reward for those who remain faithful to Him, regardless of their social status or ethnic background.”
.
Another note: similarity noted between Ebed-Melech and Joseph- position and authority, left without food or water to die.
Jeremiah is our focus, I know! ☺ What an example of steadfast faith and obedience!
.
Timely that I heard this song after study time while on an errand before I could post:
DESPERATE by Jamie MacDonald
I’m at the end of myself and I’m
Tired, I’ve tried all that I know to do
Right now it’s just by a thread but I’m
I’m hanging on to you
I’m running out of hope
I need a miracle
And if I ever needed you, it’s right now
Oh God, I’m desperate
Down on my knees
Send help from heaven
‘Cause that’s what I need
Redeem this wreckage
Restore my peace
I’m not asking, I’m begging
Lord, come through for me
I need heaven and I’m
Desperate
Desperate
Oh, I need heaven, need heaven and I’m
Prayed all the prayers I can pray but I
I won’t stop knocking ’til you open the door
You can move a mountain
You can calm a storm
I know you can ’cause I’ve seen it before
Oh God, I’m desperate
Down on my knees
Send help from heaven
‘Cause that’s what I need
Redeem this wreckage
Restore my peace
I’m not asking, I’m begging
Lord, come through for me
I need heaven and I’m
(Oh, I’m) desperate
(Oh, I’m) desperate
Oh, I need heaven, need heaven and I’m
(Oh, I’m) desperate
(Oh, I’m) desperate
Oh, I need heaven, need heaven and I’m
Oh (ooh), oh (ooh), oh (ooh)
And you’re my only hope
I need a miracle
And if I ever needed you, it’s right now
Oh God, I’m desperate
Down on my knees
Send help from heaven
‘Cause that’s what I need
Redeem this wreckage
Restore my peace
I’m not asking, I’m begging
Lord, come through for me
I need heaven and I’m
(Oh, I’m) desperate
(Oh, I’m) desperate
Oh, I need heaven, need heaven and I’m
(Oh, I’m) desperate
(Oh, I’m) desperate
Oh, I need heaven, need heaven and I’m
(Desperate)
Songwriters: Jordan Douglas Sapp, Jamie Macdonald, Jonathan Conrad Gamble. For non-commercial use only.
.
Love, hugs, and prayers! ❤
Yes, I am going to download this for jail ministry! I heard in a clip that she wrote it while doing just that, but need to still listen to the full podcast at The Unfolding. (it is a great local (back in Il) podcast from a radio host of people’s stories and testimonies!)
Her testimony was amazing! Thanks again for introducing me to this podcast years ago! I am hooked on them and so inspired by all the stories and miracles.
I just listened to it! It was really good! I got to get back to my habit of listening to it on Fridays!
❤
Wow,I didn’t know that. Thanks for the rec!
Thanks for the side notes, and for sharing the song! ❤️
❤
“Who has had a MINOR role but made a MAJOR impact? Turning that question around: In whose life have I had a minor role, but made a huge impact?”
Certainly worth pondering, Cee Gee!
❤
Thank you for sharing your further research :)
❤
The Great Commission is a command,not a suggestion.
Just like the Ten Commandments! ❤
The entire theme of all of my devotions is speaking holding God’s word to change our world.
Praying for all. Tammy family has told us she is probably passing today. Please pray for her and her family
Baby Levi is improving but still in need of prayers.
Praying for Tammy’s family during this time and baby Levi!!
I am so sorry, Cheryl! Joining in prayer for you and Tammy’s family. ❤
I love that you two have become close. She was on my mind so much the day before yesterday. I really wanted to pray over her as a group. She needs all of our prayers though, silent or together. We love you Tami and holding your arms up.
Sorry for the mistake, I thought of our Tami. But prayers for you Tammy as well. and Baby Levi.
I am so sorry Cheryl. Prayers for the family and for baby Levi. I can’t seem to recall your original post – is Tammy Levi’s mama?
There are so many powerful lessons for us to glean from today’s scriptures. Many of the “popular” verses are tucked in there that we like to throw out, but isn’t it so beneficial to read all of it? We need to hear the Lord’s declaration of what happens to those that ignore him, scoff him, and stay in their sin. For there are many stiff-necked Israelites, and non-believers around. Are we going to be the mouthpiece for God? Perhaps. How about with a megaphone? lol. Well no! That’s a little too much! I don’t want to be THAT bold and obnoxious, right? lol. Well, if God tells us to say this….or that…to “them” or “this family member” it is a sin to ignore what we know we should do.
I have been trying to be a mouthpiece for God for a long time, but now with my nephew in jail, I write with passion for him to put his trust in God. He deconstructed his faith years ago. We have had conversations where he uses debate to dismiss godly claims to all my pleas. He says yes he has read the bible, but rather to debate all it’s flaws as he sees it. I left that conversation, probably about 3 years ago feeling deflated and sad, and even shared here with my She’s. And here we are and my nephew is in a place he never would have expected. His sin and bad choices have caught up (although he still doesn’t even recognize that). So anyways, I had written to him several times over the last couple of weeks. I finally received something back last night, and he said he loves and appreciates my notes so much and he could use my insight from my own experience! I have written to him how broken I was when my husband of only 2 years, with a yr old, said he didn’t love me and wanted to separate. My nephew”s baby momma and of 6 or so years broke up with him. (Oh how God uses our stories to tell others in the same situations of his rescues!) Isn’t that amazing!! So I keep telling him more and more of my testimonies. Will you pray with me that he will grab a bible and want to read it again while he is there? He said he went to church once. He said at least I gave it a try. Lord, keep pulling him to use. I am really praying for a Damascus Road experience. Lord, when he finally realizes he needs help and can’t solve this on his own, I pray he looks up to You. That he hears you calling to him. Lord, nudge him to request a bible, to go back to that class. To have someone say things that resonate. That my words have impact on him. In Jesus’ name Amen.
What good is it to keep the good news to ourselves?! God wants to use every one of us!! But we have to listen, and take action!! Open our mouths where he prompts and leads! Speak his words, for they never return void!! You don’t need to be afraid, or think it doesn’t matter! For it does, and it should be our mission! For he has plans to prosper his people, but they must become his people, the lost and forsaken! They need our stories of mercy, grace, and rescue!! Thank you Lord, that you rescue sinners like us, and will save the remnant! For the way is narrow, and time is short! Let us be your mouthpiece Lord, your hands and feet going to all the places, and shining your light! What a gift to get to be your disciple!!
Oh Rhonda!
Praying for your nephew! He is so blessed to have you in his life…even if he doesn’t know it.
We will all join you in praying for a Damascus Road experience!!
I have a friend whose 15 year old grandson has been in and out of Juvenile and now is in full blown jail! We’ve been praying for him as well. It is so hard to watch young people struggle.
Hugs to you sweet friend!!
❤️
Yes, it is so hard not to know HOW to help, but know that prayer is the first call of action! I thought my grandson would be there, for the cops have been to the house many, many times over the years. He is now 17 and it continues to happen, and I feel helpless. But praying. Thank you for your support and love always Sue, it means so much.
Praying for your nephew! You are planting a seed through sharing your experience & testimony with him.
Thank you Susan. and CeeGee! (heart) What would I do without my She’s through the years!! One day, what a party we will have in the Kingdom!!
Agreeing with you, Gramiesue, abd Susan! ❤
Praying with you for your nephew, Rhonda. Keep sharing your testimonies, keep giving him scripture – God’s word does not go forth void! May God soften his heart and may the Holy Spirit be working on him, wooing him to Christ! ❤️
Praying for your nephew, sweet sister! May God soften his heart and completely reveal Himself to him.
Praying for him Rhonda. You are so precious in your life experience and I am sure it spoke to him (so similar). The good news is good indeed (The truth will set us free) but before it sets us free, it will strip us first to our true state, and some people resists that painful truth. Praying for his courage to face his reality and to bow down to a Savior and LORD.
Amen Rhonda! So many great points!!! I love how God is using you to minister to your nephew while in prison, and you have your own prison ministry! There are no coincidences! And your question, “what good is it to keep the good news to ourselves?” Is sooo true! Thank you! You are giving me much food for thought!
Yes. Praying that the Lord would work in this young man’s heart. May the Lord used the seeds planted and your kindness to do a mighty work in his life.
May I be as bold as Jeremiah, unafraid, remembering that God is with me always.
.
I misread the scripture reading for today & thought Jeremiah 30 was part of it. It was good that I read it because The LORD reassured Jeremiah over and over again as He spoke words of encouragement to him…
– I am with you and will save you.
– I will not completely destroy you.
– I will restore you to health and
heal your wounds.
– I will restore and have
compassion.
– I will add to their numbers.
– I will bring them home.
—
What a great, mighty, compassionate God we serve!
—
Have a blessed Friday – hugs & prayers! ❤️
What beautiful reminders of God’s faithfulness! Thank you for sharing!
Amen! ❤
Yes, SJG!
He speaks unremitting words of comfort & compassion over us!
Amen ❤️
Amen
Jeremiah, the weeping, speaking prophet. His continued obedience in speaking words that no one wanted to hear, much less wanted to believe – what a testament to the strength of his faith, and to the faithfulness of the LORD to keep His promises – “do not be afraid for I am with you to deliver you.” God’s promises can be followed with “no matter what” because they will be kept, even if the keeping of His promises may not look as we expect.
.
God’s remembrance and protection of Ebed-Melech the Ethiopian is another example of His faithfulness. Ebed-Melech had spoken up to the king and told of the evil done to Jeremiah (including putting him in the dungeon) and was commanded by the king to get him out of the dungeon. His belief in the Lord was seen by Him and he was protected from the men who planned to harm him.
.
I’m reminded of a favorite song, Even If by Mercy Me
.
I know You’re able and I know You can
Save through the fire with Your mighty hand
But even if You don’t
My hope is You alone
I know the sorrow, and I know the hurt
Would all go away if You’d just say the word
But even if You don’t
My hope is You alone
.
It is well with my soul
It is well, it is well with my soul.
–
I feel pretty sure I’m not the only one who has sung these words with tears, especially in the tough times.
–
Praying, sisters, that we would have the right words at the right time to lead others to the Lord and to speak truth when needed (and when guided to by the Lord).
❤️
❤️
❤️
Yes! I have sung that song with tears!!
Thanks you for sharing!
❤️
Amen! Love this song!
I love that song! It has definitely brought tears to my eyes on many occasions when worship is all I had to get me through. Have a great weekend!
Amen, SEARCHING! I, too, had copied info on Ebed to share but you summed it up well. I will just share a snippet. ☺❤
Oh, and you know from my song shares what that song means to me! Thanks for sharing! ❤❤❤
I love that song too! We need to be fully devoted to our Lord and Savior. Even If. We use that in all my groups! How strong is your desire, even if God uses you despite your prayers not answered how you want! Most will say- he isn’t real. We know He is everything.
❤️Amen.
❤️
Father let me be bold with Your Word and faithful to Your call. In Jesus name, Amen
God is faithful in calling,
present in hardship,
and trustworthy in His promises—even when the path is painful.
“Do not be afraid… for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord.
— Jeremiah
God calls you even when you feel weak or unworthy.
God stays with you in seasons of loneliness, rejection, or exile.
God keeps His promises even if they take time to unfold.
❤️
❤
Yes, Kimberly!
Our strength, our sword, our shield!
❤️
Jeremiah was truly faithful to his call. He stood for the Lord with only a handful of others as God’s punishment fell on the nation.
.
May I remain a faithful megaphone to Your grace in this broken world, Lord.
.
Update: young mama was able to obtain 2/3 of needed documents yesterday. Last one has to wait for the contact to return from vacation. Today she meets with her caseworker at the shelter. Please join me in prayer that her discharge can be postponed.
Baby continues to improve.
Thanks to all for lifting her and baby up to God.
.
Praying for your requests ❤️
Continued prayers for mama & baby!
Praying for young mama and baby!
So glad to hear baby is continuing to improve! Praying for your young mama as she has her meeting today!
Thanks for that update and prayer need, Kelly! Praying for compassion and favor! And complete healing for baby boy! ❤
Praying!
Praying right now. So thankful she has you sweet Kelly.
Praying ❤️
Amen Teresa ✝️
Holy Spirit gives us your words to speak to the people around us.
Amen!
Yes, Teresa!
However intimidating!
Yes :)