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JEREMIAH - THE WEEPING PROPHET
Jer.20:14
Cursed be the day in which I was born! Let the day not be blessed in which my mother bore me.
Let the man be cursed who brought news to my father, saying, “a male child has been born to you” making him very glad..
20:18
Why did I come forth from the womb to see labour and sorrow, that my days should be consumed with shame?
Jeremiah was called upon to suffer many things for the sake of the Lord and the message he was given for a rebellious Israel, including much persecution even to the point of being shunned by his family and tribe. As part of his prophetic ministry the Lord forbade him the normal social intercourses such as marriage and attendance at the feasts (ch.16).
His message was widely ignored and mocked, it was an unpopular message concerning judgement on Israel for her sins.
Jeremiah experienced great loneliness, sadness and times of intense emotional despair, much of which is recorded in his writings, hence the title often given to him of the "Weeping Prophet".
Even after Jerusalem had fallen and Jeremiah’s prophecies had been fulfilled the people still refused his counsel, ignoring his advice to stay in Israel and preferring to go down to Egypt (ch’s 42,43).
Despite the opposition and depression Jeremiah was able to fulfill his ministry, speaking out the word of the Lord, because he was sustained by the Lord:
20:11 But the Lord is with me as a mighty, awesome One. Therefore my persecutors will stumble, and will not prevail.
This clearly reminds us that standing for what is right and true with the Lord does not neccessarily make friends, Jesus warned of such eventualities - the world will hate you - but for those who are called to suffer persecution there is the promise of God’s abiding presence and His love and protection.
Jn.15:18 If the world hates you, you know that it hated me before it hated you.
1Pet.4:14 If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you for the Spirit of God and of glory rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified.
Lessons
Following Jesus does not necessarily make us friends with the people of the world.
Our message of hope and peace through repentance is not popular or widely received.
In times of severe persecution God provides strength and power to withstand and maintain a good testimony.