Jeremiah - An overview

An overview of the book of Jeremiah! 

What is success?

Most definitions include references to achieving goals and acquiring wealth, prestige, favor and power.
"Successful' people enjoy the good life - financially, and emotionally secure, surrounded by admirers, and enjoying the fruits of their labors.
They are leaders, opinion makers, trend-setters. Their example is emulated, their accomplishments are noticed. They who they are and where they are going, and they stride confidently, to meet their goals.

By these standards, Jeremiah was a miserable failure. For 40 years he served as God's spokesman to Judah, but when Jeremiah spoke, nobody listened. Consistently and passionately, he urged them to act,  but nobody moved. And he certainly did not attain material success.

He was poor and underwent severe deprivation to deliver his prophecies.

• He was thrown into prison (chapter 37)
• He as thrown into a well (chapter 38)
• He was taken to Egypt against his will (chapter 423)
• He was rejected by 
• his neighbors (11:19-21)
• his family (12:6)
• the false priests and prophets (20:1,2) 
• friends (20:10)
• his audience (26:8,
• and the Kings (36:23)

Throughout his life, Jeremiah stood alone, declaring God's messages of doom, announcing the new covenant, and weeping over the fate of his beloved country. In the eyes of the world, Jeremiah was not a success.

But in God's eyes, Jeremiah was one of the most successful people in all of history. Success, as measured by Gd, involves obedience and faithfulness. Regardless of opposition, and personal costs, Jeremiah courageously and faithfully proclaimed the Word of God. He was obedient to his calling.
His book begins with a call to be a prophet. The next 38 chapters are prophecies about Israel (the nation united) and Judah (the Southern Kingdom).
Chapters 2  - 20 are general and undated, and Chapters 21-39 are particular and dated.

The basic theme of Jeremiah's message is simple ' Repent and turn to God or he will punish. But then, because the people reject this warning, Jeremiah moves to predicting in Chapter 39. Chapters 40-44 describe events following Jerusalem. This terrible event is described in Chapter 39, Chapters 40-44 describe events following Jerusalem's fall. The book concludes with prophecies concerning a variety of nations. (chapter 45 -52)

As you read Jeremiah, feel with him as he agonizes over the message he must deliver, pray with him for those who refuse to respond to truth, and watch his example of faith and courage. Then commit yourself to being successful in God's eyes.