Monday, October 31, 2011
Life of Jeremiah
Bible Stories: Jeremiah
Author:
Julia Shipley
Just a little way from the capital city of Jerusalem there lived a man who was one of the priests of the temple. When a baby boy was born into their home, he and his wife named him Jeremiah. This means “The Lord doth establish.” They must have believed that their little son was to do a special work for God.
Jeremiah lived at the time of the good King Josiah. Though Jeremiah was from the line of the priests, God called him when he was very young to be a prophet. He may have been eighteen when God spoke to him. God said to him, “Before you were born, you were set apart for a special work. I have called you to be a prophet to the nations.”
Jeremiah felt very helpless and afraid. He said, “O Lord, I am just a child, and I am not old enough or wise enough to speak for Thee.” Then the Lord said to him, “Don’t say, I am just a child, and don’t be afraid. You are to go where I send you and speak whatever I tell you. I will be with you to take care of you.” Then the Lord touched Jeremiah’s mouth and said to him, “See, I will put My words in your mouth. Do not be afraid of the faces of the people for I am with you.”
The true prophets were not popular with the people because they brought them a message they did not want to hear. After the death of good King Josiah the people had gone back again to their idols. Their sins had become so great that God could no longer keep from punishing them. But first he sent Jeremiah to give them another warning.
He said, “You have sinned against the Lord. You have turned away from His love and have gone after other gods. If you repent even now, God will watch over you. But if you will not turn away from your wicked ways, a mighty nation from the north will come against you with a strong army. They will take your land and take you as prisoners back to their land.”
God told Jeremiah to go down to Jerusalem and give this message. He was to stand by the temple gate where many people passed. Another time God told him to go to the palace and preach to the king. Neither the rulers nor the people wanted to hear the message which Jeremiah so faithfully gave. They became angry with him and threatened to kill him if he did not stop.
They wanted only to hear only pleasant things. They did not want to hear the Word of God when it told them of their sins. But Jeremiah did not stop giving them God’s message, for he must obey God whether the people were pleased or not.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/christianity-articles/bible-stories-jeremiah-871363.html
About the AuthorJulia Shipley is a committed Christian worshipping and serving in her local church. She has a heart for the young children and the youth believing the word of God is the final authority. For information regarding Sunday school lessons and other Bible stories visit http://www.quick-christian-resources.com