Jeremiah 16:1-21

Wednesday, February 8th 2017

LORD, MY STRENGTH AND MY STRONGHOLD

In the calamities fallen on the people, Jeremiah doesn't lose God as his support. Moreover, he anticipates a restoration to come.

1. The curses for Israel (1-18)

God says to Jemeriah that he must lead an ascetic life, because the catastrophe rains down on the people. First, he doesn't marry. It's too sad to see the children die before his very eyes. God says to not enter the house of mourning, because Israel is deprived of God's steadfast love and compassion. There will be no consolation neither from God nor from men (7). Mankind has become merciless. God also says to the prophet to not enter the feast's house, because it's too vain to see the voice of mirth and the voice of gladness disappear. The Israelites don't know their sin so they ask for the prophet: why ? Jeremiah gave a lesson of history. It's because of the sin of their fathers, but their own sin is more grave than those of their fathers. God gives them the salary of sin, sending calamity with the fishermen and huntsmen.

2. O lord, my strength and my stronghold (19-21)

Jeremiah sees a vision of return of his people and it's exhilarating. Despite of the catastrophe of the people, the prophet doesn't forget that the Eternal God is his strength, his stronghold, his refuge in the day of trouble (19), his support. The prophet sees the return of his people by the kindness of the living God. And, seeing the restoration of Israel, also the nearing neighbours will come back to God by the repentence of their idolatry (20). God will make them know his might and his power (21).

Prayer: Lord, help me to not follow my stubborness but to listen to your word (12). You are my strength and my stronghold, thank you.

Bottom line: my strength and my support in the day of trouble