CHARACTER STUDY OF JEREMIAH – THE WEEPING PROPHET
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Jeremiah 1:5
"Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations."
Supporting Texts:
Jeremiah 20:7-9, Jeremiah 29:11, Lamentations 3:22-23, Jeremiah 7:23-28, Jeremiah 17:9
INTRODUCTION
Jeremiah was one of the major prophets in the Old Testament, known as the "Weeping Prophet" because of his deep sorrow over the sins of Judah and the coming judgment of God. He prophesied for over 40 years, warning Judah of the impending Babylonian exile, yet his message was largely rejected.
His ministry was filled with suffering, rejection, and opposition. Despite this, he remained faithful to God’s call, delivering messages of both judgment and restoration. His writings include the Book of Jeremiah and Lamentations, where he expresses his grief over the destruction of Jerusalem.
Jeremiah’s life teaches us the cost of true prophetic ministry and the importance of standing firm in God’s calling, even in difficult times.
1. JEREMIAH’S CALL AND COMMISSION
a) He was chosen before birth (Jeremiah 1:5)
God ordained him as a prophet while he was still in the womb.
b) He was called at a young age (Jeremiah 1:6)
Jeremiah felt inadequate because of his youth.
c) God assured him of divine support (Jeremiah 1:7-8)
The Lord promised to be with him and deliver him.
d) He was given authority over nations (Jeremiah 1:9-10)
God put His words in Jeremiah’s mouth to root out and build up.
e) Biblical Example: Moses also felt unqualified when God called him (Exodus 3:11-12).
2. JEREMIAH’S MESSAGE OF JUDGMENT
a) He warned of Judah’s sin and rebellion (Jeremiah 2:13)
The people forsook God, the fountain of living waters.
b) He condemned false prophets and corrupt leaders (Jeremiah 23:16-17)
They deceived the people with lies of peace.
c) He prophesied the Babylonian captivity (Jeremiah 25:11)
Judah would serve Babylon for 70 years.
d) He called for national repentance (Jeremiah 7:3-7)
God promised mercy if they turned from their wicked ways.
e) Biblical Example: Jonah also warned Nineveh of impending judgment (Jonah 3:4-5).
3. JEREMIAH’S SUFFERING AND REJECTION
a) He was persecuted for his prophecies (Jeremiah 20:1-2)
Pashhur, a priest, beat and imprisoned him.
b) He was falsely accused and imprisoned (Jeremiah 37:15)
The officials saw him as a traitor.
c) He was thrown into a cistern to die (Jeremiah 38:6)
His enemies tried to silence him.
d) He struggled with discouragement (Jeremiah 20:7-9)
He felt deceived by God but could not stop preaching.
e) Biblical Example: The apostles also faced persecution for preaching God’s word (Acts 5:40-42).
4. JEREMIAH’S PROPHECIES OF HOPE AND RESTORATION
a) He foretold the return from exile (Jeremiah 29:10)
After 70 years, God would bring them back.
b) He declared God’s plans for His people (Jeremiah 29:11)
"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you…"
c) He spoke of a new covenant (Jeremiah 31:31-33)
God would write His law on their hearts.
d) He assured of God’s everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3)
"I have loved thee with an everlasting love."
e) Biblical Example: Isaiah also prophesied about the restoration of Israel (Isaiah 49:8-13).
5. STRENGTHS OF JEREMIAH
a) He was faithful to God’s call (Jeremiah 1:17-19)
He stood firm despite opposition.
b) He was courageous in speaking God’s truth (Jeremiah 26:12-15)
He boldly confronted kings and priests.
c) He had deep compassion for his people (Lamentations 3:48-49)
His tears reflected his love for Judah.
d) He was persistent despite discouragement (Jeremiah 20:9)
He continued preaching even when he wanted to quit.
e) Biblical Example: Paul also showed unwavering commitment to God’s mission (2 Timothy 4:7).
6. WEAKNESSES OF JEREMIAH
a) He struggled with self-doubt (Jeremiah 1:6)
He initially felt too young to be a prophet.
b) He questioned God’s justice (Jeremiah 12:1)
He asked why the wicked prospered.
c) He experienced deep discouragement (Jeremiah 20:14-18)
He cursed the day he was born.
d) He often felt lonely and isolated (Jeremiah 16:2)
God forbade him from marrying or having children.
e) Biblical Example: Elijah also struggled with discouragement (1 Kings 19:4).
7. LESSONS FROM THE LIFE OF JEREMIAH
a) Obedience to God can bring opposition (Jeremiah 1:19)
Faithfulness to God’s call often leads to persecution.
b) God’s message must be preached, even when unpopular (Jeremiah 20:9)
Jeremiah could not hold back God’s word.
c) True prophets must have a burden for people’s souls (Lamentations 3:48)
Jeremiah wept over Judah’s sins.
d) God’s plans for His people are always for good (Jeremiah 29:11)
Even in judgment, God has a plan for restoration.
e) Biblical Example: Jesus also wept over Jerusalem, knowing its coming destruction (Luke 19:41-44).
CONCLUSION
Jeremiah’s life was marked by faithfulness, suffering, and a deep love for his people. He stood firm in his prophetic calling despite opposition, rejection, and personal struggles. His message of judgment reminds us of the consequences of sin, while his message of restoration points to God’s enduring mercy and faithfulness.
As believers, we must learn from Jeremiah’s perseverance, passion for truth, and unwavering obedience to God, even when it comes at a great cost.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, give me the boldness to declare Your truth without fear.
2. Father, help me to remain faithful in the face of opposition.
3. Let my life be a testimony of perseverance in Your service.
4. May I always trust in Your plans, even in difficult times.
5. Give me a heart that weeps for the lost and seeks their salvation.
