This chapter in Jeremiah is a chapter overflowing with the grief of God. It begins with the words: “Oh, that my head were a spring of water and my eyes a fountain of tears! I would weep day and night for the slain of my people.” Jeremiah’s grief is not his own personal grief, it was a prophetic grief. This is the grief of God expressed through Jeremiah. It is amazing how much attention God gives to his recalcitrant people. They had rejected him many times already, generation after generation. Yet God keeps pursuing them. This is an important part of the Old Testament story that we should take note of because our Heavenly Father is showing us something about himself here. If you find yourself tiring over the seemingly endless divine laments over Judah, consider this. These endless laments are a direct expression of God’s endless love. Yahweh just won’t give up on his people. Even the disasters foretold by Jeremiah are not ultimately acts of final vengeance on God’s part but acts of discipline designed to turn his people back from their self-destruction. When Judah went into exile, they would receive comfort from prophecies like these. They would be reminded that while they were still sinners (Romans 5:8), God continued to send them his prophets. The endurance and steadfastness of God’s love is truly remarkable. Remember that this is the same love he has for you.
Reflect on the greatness of God’s love for you.
Read Jeremiah 8:19-9:26
