E440 Navigating The Bible: Jeremiah

>> But this is what the Lord, the God of >> But this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says, "I will certainly bring my Israel, says, "I will certainly bring my Israel, says, "I will certainly bring my people back again from all the countries people back again from all the countries people back again from all the countries where I will scatter them in my fury. where I will scatter them in my fury. where I will scatter them in my fury. I will bring them back to this very city I will bring them back to this very city I will bring them back to this very city and let them live in peace and safety. and let them live in peace and safety. and let them live in peace and safety. They will be my people and I will be They will be my people and I will be They will be my people and I will be their God. And I will give them one their God. And I will give them one their God. And I will give them one heart and one purpose to worship me heart and one purpose to worship me heart and one purpose to worship me forever for their own good and for the forever for their own good and for the forever for their own good and for the good of all their descendants. And I good of all their descendants. And I good of all their descendants. And I will make an everlasting covenant with will make an everlasting covenant with will make an everlasting covenant with them. I will never stop doing good for them. I will never stop doing good for them. I will never stop doing good for them. I will put a desire in their them. I will put a desire in their them. I will put a desire in their hearts to worship me and they will never hearts to worship me and they will never hearts to worship me and they will never leave me. I will find joy doing good for leave me. I will find joy doing good for leave me. I will find joy doing good for them and will faithfully and them and will faithfully and them and will faithfully and wholeheartedly replant them in this wholeheartedly replant them in this wholeheartedly replant them in this land. land. land. Jeremiah 32:es 37-41. Jeremiah is a book not for the faint of Jeremiah is a book not for the faint of heart. It's a big book, 52 chapters and heart. It's a big book, 52 chapters and heart. It's a big book, 52 chapters and with a greater word count than any other with a greater word count than any other with a greater word count than any other book in the Bible.

book in the Bible. book in the Bible. It's a troubling book. It's the warnings It's a troubling book. It's the warnings It's a troubling book. It's the warnings from a prophet of God telling people from a prophet of God telling people from a prophet of God telling people what is going to befall them if they what is going to befall them if they what is going to befall them if they don't repent and turn back to the God of don't repent and turn back to the God of don't repent and turn back to the God of their ancestors. their ancestors. their ancestors. It's a sad book as it tells of the It's a sad book as it tells of the It's a sad book as it tells of the destruction of Jerusalem. destruction of Jerusalem. destruction of Jerusalem. There's no doubt Jeremiah is a behemoth There's no doubt Jeremiah is a behemoth There's no doubt Jeremiah is a behemoth of an Old Testament book, of an Old Testament book, of an Old Testament book, but it's not a book to ignore by any but it's not a book to ignore by any but it's not a book to ignore by any means. At its heart, even with the means. At its heart, even with the means. At its heart, even with the difficult things in the book, Jeremiah difficult things in the book, Jeremiah difficult things in the book, Jeremiah is still a book about hope. is still a book about hope. is still a book about hope. It's still a book about the faithfulness It's still a book about the faithfulness It's still a book about the faithfulness of God. of God. of God. The passage I read at the beginning from The passage I read at the beginning from The passage I read at the beginning from Jeremiah 32 makes that clear. We learn Jeremiah 32 makes that clear. We learn Jeremiah 32 makes that clear. We learn so much about God in this book. It's so much about God in this book. It's so much about God in this book. It's it's truly a rich theological text, but it's truly a rich theological text, but it's truly a rich theological text, but like I said, it's not for the faint of like I said, it's not for the faint of like I said, it's not for the faint of heart. So to help us navigate this book heart. So to help us navigate this book heart. So to help us navigate this book today is Dr. Jerry Hang, author of the today is Dr. Jerry Hang, author of the today is Dr. Jerry Hang, author of the ESV commentary on Jeremiah.

ESV commentary on Jeremiah. ESV commentary on Jeremiah. My name is Jason Wheelen and this is My name is Jason Wheelen and this is My name is Jason Wheelen and this is Dable Disciplehip, Navigating the Bible, Dable Disciplehip, Navigating the Bible, Dable Disciplehip, Navigating the Bible, Jeremiah. All right, Jerry, thank you so much for All right, Jerry, thank you so much for joining me today as we talk about joining me today as we talk about joining me today as we talk about Jeremiah. A nice big hefty book uh in in Jeremiah. A nice big hefty book uh in in Jeremiah. A nice big hefty book uh in in the major prophets. Uh but there's so the major prophets. Uh but there's so the major prophets. Uh but there's so much in it. So, thank you for helping us much in it. So, thank you for helping us much in it. So, thank you for helping us to navigate this uh big book. to navigate this uh big book. to navigate this uh big book. >> Yeah, thanks very much for having me, >> Yeah, thanks very much for having me, >> Yeah, thanks very much for having me, Jason. Jeremiah is long. It can be Jason. Jeremiah is long. It can be Jason. Jeremiah is long. It can be intimidating. A lot of people find it intimidating. A lot of people find it intimidating. A lot of people find it heavy. So, when you say navigate, I heavy. So, when you say navigate, I heavy. So, when you say navigate, I think it's really appropriate that there think it's really appropriate that there think it's really appropriate that there are going to be ways through the maze uh are going to be ways through the maze uh are going to be ways through the maze uh that hopefully I can point to and then that hopefully I can point to and then that hopefully I can point to and then help people get their way through the help people get their way through the help people get their way through the book. book. book. >> No, I think you're exactly right. It's >> No, I think you're exactly right. It's >> No, I think you're exactly right. It's kind of like you're entering into this kind of like you're entering into this kind of like you're entering into this big jungle. Uh but there's so much big jungle. Uh but there's so much big jungle. Uh but there's so much goodness in the jungle, but it needs goodness in the jungle, but it needs goodness in the jungle, but it needs some navigating for sure. So, um, as we some navigating for sure. So, um, as we some navigating for sure. So, um, as we want to start with with all of these EP want to start with with all of these EP want to start with with all of these EP all of these episodes on navigating the all of these episodes on navigating the all of these episodes on navigating the Bible, I'm going to ask if you would Bible, I'm going to ask if you would Bible, I'm going to ask if you would mind helping us to know to answer some mind helping us to know to answer some mind helping us to know to answer some basic questions. Do we know who wrote basic questions. Do we know who wrote basic questions. Do we know who wrote the book? And I I always have to ask the book? And I I always have to ask the book? And I I always have to ask that way. Do we know who wrote the book?

that way. Do we know who wrote the book? that way. Do we know who wrote the book? And do we know when it was written? And And do we know when it was written? And And do we know when it was written? And then on top of that, how does knowing then on top of that, how does knowing then on top of that, how does knowing these things or not knowing these things these things or not knowing these things these things or not knowing these things affect how we read the book? affect how we read the book? affect how we read the book? >> Yeah, thanks for that, Jason. what we >> Yeah, thanks for that, Jason. what we >> Yeah, thanks for that, Jason. what we call the book of Jeremiah actually call the book of Jeremiah actually call the book of Jeremiah actually begins with the words of Jeremiah much begins with the words of Jeremiah much begins with the words of Jeremiah much like the book of Deuteronomy opens as like the book of Deuteronomy opens as like the book of Deuteronomy opens as the words that of Moses that he spoke the words that of Moses that he spoke the words that of Moses that he spoke and this is going to be one of the um and this is going to be one of the um and this is going to be one of the um things that sometimes surprises readers things that sometimes surprises readers things that sometimes surprises readers of the Old Testament that we have what of the Old Testament that we have what of the Old Testament that we have what we would consider literary books uh but we would consider literary books uh but we would consider literary books uh but the traditional authors ascribe to them the traditional authors ascribe to them the traditional authors ascribe to them are often described more as speaking are often described more as speaking are often described more as speaking than writing. Uh the main person who than writing. Uh the main person who than writing. Uh the main person who writes in this book is actually not writes in this book is actually not writes in this book is actually not Jeremiah himself but his good friend Jeremiah himself but his good friend Jeremiah himself but his good friend Baroo. Uh Jeremiah is usually the one Baroo. Uh Jeremiah is usually the one Baroo. Uh Jeremiah is usually the one speaking or spoken to by Yahweh. Uh and speaking or spoken to by Yahweh. Uh and speaking or spoken to by Yahweh. Uh and then there's another moment in uh very then there's another moment in uh very then there's another moment in uh very late in the book in chapter 51 where the late in the book in chapter 51 where the late in the book in chapter 51 where the brother of Baroo Sarah also writes. Uh brother of Baroo Sarah also writes. Uh brother of Baroo Sarah also writes. Uh what we also have on top of Baroo and what we also have on top of Baroo and what we also have on top of Baroo and Sariah from the scribal family writing Sariah from the scribal family writing Sariah from the scribal family writing um would be a very interesting narrative um would be a very interesting narrative um would be a very interesting narrative like Jeremiah 36 where there's an early like Jeremiah 36 where there's an early like Jeremiah 36 where there's an early version of the prophecies of Jeremiah version of the prophecies of Jeremiah version of the prophecies of Jeremiah that is recited in the presence of the that is recited in the presence of the that is recited in the presence of the king but the king doesn't like this king but the king doesn't like this king but the king doesn't like this message. King Johakim is his name. So he message. King Johakim is his name. So he message. King Johakim is his name. So he destroys that first scroll of Jeremiah.

destroys that first scroll of Jeremiah. destroys that first scroll of Jeremiah. And then we're told that uh Jeremiah And then we're told that uh Jeremiah And then we're told that uh Jeremiah dictates another book of Jeremiah to his dictates another book of Jeremiah to his dictates another book of Jeremiah to his friend Baroo who then adds other things friend Baroo who then adds other things friend Baroo who then adds other things to them. to them. to them. >> So we've got this book of books. Uh >> So we've got this book of books. Uh >> So we've got this book of books. Uh that's what one scholar has called that's what one scholar has called that's what one scholar has called Jeremiah. And this kind of complexity is Jeremiah. And this kind of complexity is Jeremiah. And this kind of complexity is what can be confusing to people at what can be confusing to people at what can be confusing to people at times. Um all of this is taking place in times. Um all of this is taking place in times. Um all of this is taking place in the latter 7th uh century BC uh early the latter 7th uh century BC uh early the latter 7th uh century BC uh early 6th century BC over a period of about 50 6th century BC over a period of about 50 6th century BC over a period of about 50 years. uh so um five decades or so and years. uh so um five decades or so and years. uh so um five decades or so and because of uh all of these different because of uh all of these different because of uh all of these different historical contexts uh we have real historical contexts uh we have real historical contexts uh we have real complexity but we also have good complexity but we also have good complexity but we also have good information about the historical periods information about the historical periods information about the historical periods in which different passages uh in the in which different passages uh in the in which different passages uh in the canonical book of Jeremiah originate and canonical book of Jeremiah originate and canonical book of Jeremiah originate and sometimes the hard thing to do is to tie sometimes the hard thing to do is to tie sometimes the hard thing to do is to tie those uh historical roots back to the those uh historical roots back to the those uh historical roots back to the literary details of individual passages. literary details of individual passages. literary details of individual passages. So, okay. So, so what we're t I think I So, okay. So, so what we're t I think I So, okay. So, so what we're t I think I think the book of books thing is think the book of books thing is think the book of books thing is important because I think a lot of important because I think a lot of important because I think a lot of people they pick up, you know, they open people they pick up, you know, they open people they pick up, you know, they open up their Bibles, they see, you know, a up their Bibles, they see, you know, a up their Bibles, they see, you know, a major prophet book called Jeremiah and major prophet book called Jeremiah and major prophet book called Jeremiah and they, you know, I think there's they, you know, I think there's they, you know, I think there's sometimes an assumption that it's, you sometimes an assumption that it's, you sometimes an assumption that it's, you know, one long prophecy. It's one long know, one long prophecy. It's one long know, one long prophecy. It's one long spell from Jeremiah. Instead, you know spell from Jeremiah. Instead, you know spell from Jeremiah. Instead, you know what we're saying is it's a compendium what we're saying is it's a compendium what we're saying is it's a compendium of these things that Jeremiah um has of these things that Jeremiah um has of these things that Jeremiah um has been telling people has been has been been telling people has been has been been telling people has been has been told by God to go and share this message told by God to go and share this message told by God to go and share this message with these people. And as you said, his with these people. And as you said, his with these people. And as you said, his friend Baroo is writing these down or

friend Baroo is writing these down or friend Baroo is writing these down or whatnot. So, it's not just one long whatnot. So, it's not just one long whatnot. So, it's not just one long stream of thought that we're getting. stream of thought that we're getting. stream of thought that we're getting. Instead, it's these different messages. Instead, it's these different messages. Instead, it's these different messages. Is that right? Is that right? Is that right? >> Yeah, that's right. Uh and when we open >> Yeah, that's right. Uh and when we open >> Yeah, that's right. Uh and when we open the Bible that we have in our hands, we the Bible that we have in our hands, we the Bible that we have in our hands, we see Isaiah and Jeremiah right next to see Isaiah and Jeremiah right next to see Isaiah and Jeremiah right next to each other. So we might assume that each other. So we might assume that each other. So we might assume that there is going to be some chronological there is going to be some chronological there is going to be some chronological sequence. And actually there is. But sequence. And actually there is. But sequence. And actually there is. But when we look at uh where the prophet when we look at uh where the prophet when we look at uh where the prophet Isaiah resides uh in the 8th century BC, Isaiah resides uh in the 8th century BC, Isaiah resides uh in the 8th century BC, we may not realize that the adjacent we may not realize that the adjacent we may not realize that the adjacent book that bears Jeremiah's name is a book that bears Jeremiah's name is a book that bears Jeremiah's name is a century later. Uh so these historical century later. Uh so these historical century later. Uh so these historical roots are important. Um and as you roots are important. Um and as you roots are important. Um and as you mentioned, it's a compendium. It's a mentioned, it's a compendium. It's a mentioned, it's a compendium. It's a collection of all different kinds of collection of all different kinds of collection of all different kinds of passages related to the uh words and the passages related to the uh words and the passages related to the uh words and the life of the prophet Jeremiah all the way life of the prophet Jeremiah all the way life of the prophet Jeremiah all the way from the best of times for the southern from the best of times for the southern from the best of times for the southern kingdom of Judah during King Josiah's kingdom of Judah during King Josiah's kingdom of Judah during King Josiah's religious reforms all the way to the religious reforms all the way to the religious reforms all the way to the worst of times when Jerusalem and Judah worst of times when Jerusalem and Judah worst of times when Jerusalem and Judah fall for the last time to the fall for the last time to the fall for the last time to the Babylonians. So that historical sweep um Babylonians. So that historical sweep um Babylonians. So that historical sweep um is all there but that's also why people is all there but that's also why people is all there but that's also why people find the book confusing. It's got the find the book confusing. It's got the find the book confusing. It's got the best and the worst of the Southern best and the worst of the Southern best and the worst of the Southern Kingdom's history all within its 50 52 Kingdom's history all within its 50 52 Kingdom's history all within its 50 52 chapters.

chapters. chapters. >> Yeah. So, okay. So, this next question, >> Yeah. So, okay. So, this next question, >> Yeah. So, okay. So, this next question, Jerry, I understand this might be one of Jerry, I understand this might be one of Jerry, I understand this might be one of the more difficult uh of all the books the more difficult uh of all the books the more difficult uh of all the books that we've asked this for, but I have a that we've asked this for, but I have a that we've asked this for, but I have a feeling you're up to the task. How would feeling you're up to the task. How would feeling you're up to the task. How would you describe the book of Jeremiah in one you describe the book of Jeremiah in one you describe the book of Jeremiah in one sentence? sentence? sentence? >> Well, Jason, um you've posed a a really >> Well, Jason, um you've posed a a really >> Well, Jason, um you've posed a a really difficult question. We really couldn't difficult question. We really couldn't difficult question. We really couldn't do better than Yahweh's own preview of do better than Yahweh's own preview of do better than Yahweh's own preview of the words that he gives to the prophet the words that he gives to the prophet the words that he gives to the prophet right there in chapter 1. Um the Lord right there in chapter 1. Um the Lord right there in chapter 1. Um the Lord touches Jeremiah's mouth and says to him touches Jeremiah's mouth and says to him touches Jeremiah's mouth and says to him in chapter 1 verse 10, "I put my words in chapter 1 verse 10, "I put my words in chapter 1 verse 10, "I put my words in your mouth. See today I point you in your mouth. See today I point you in your mouth. See today I point you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and over nations and kingdoms to uproot and over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant." So there we have uh build and to plant." So there we have uh build and to plant." So there we have uh six verbs uh in three pairs um to six verbs uh in three pairs um to six verbs uh in three pairs um to uproot, tear down, destroy, overthrow uproot, tear down, destroy, overthrow uproot, tear down, destroy, overthrow and then the last pair in the six would and then the last pair in the six would and then the last pair in the six would be a hopeful one to build and to plant. be a hopeful one to build and to plant. be a hopeful one to build and to plant. Uh so what we see in in this book uh is Uh so what we see in in this book uh is Uh so what we see in in this book uh is a prophet who speaks uh those six things a prophet who speaks uh those six things a prophet who speaks uh those six things to all sorts of nations and kingdoms of to all sorts of nations and kingdoms of to all sorts of nations and kingdoms of the earth. Uh first and foremost, the the earth. Uh first and foremost, the the earth. Uh first and foremost, the southern kingdom of Judah. So they all southern kingdom of Judah. So they all southern kingdom of Judah. So they all experience judgment. Uh and then there experience judgment. Uh and then there experience judgment. Uh and then there is deliverance to follow. Um and this is deliverance to follow. Um and this is deliverance to follow. Um and this takes place over three stages uh which takes place over three stages uh which takes place over three stages uh which we can talk about later as well. But we can talk about later as well. But we can talk about later as well. But right there in Jeremiah 1:10, we have a right there in Jeremiah 1:10, we have a right there in Jeremiah 1:10, we have a summary of the book in one sentence.

summary of the book in one sentence. summary of the book in one sentence. >> That was quite the wise answer. And um I >> That was quite the wise answer. And um I >> That was quite the wise answer. And um I think you're one of the first people to think you're one of the first people to think you're one of the first people to actually just pull from scripture to actually just pull from scripture to actually just pull from scripture to say, well, this is what the book is say, well, this is what the book is say, well, this is what the book is about. So good job, Jerry. That was about. So good job, Jerry. That was about. So good job, Jerry. That was impressive. impressive. impressive. >> I'm glad that that was easier than you >> I'm glad that that was easier than you >> I'm glad that that was easier than you expected. expected. expected. Um, okay. So, I I'm going a little bit Um, okay. So, I I'm going a little bit Um, okay. So, I I'm going a little bit off script here because normally I would off script here because normally I would off script here because normally I would directly then ask you about the directly then ask you about the directly then ask you about the trajectory of the book. You mentioned trajectory of the book. You mentioned trajectory of the book. You mentioned the three stages and I'm I'm assuming the three stages and I'm I'm assuming the three stages and I'm I'm assuming that that's kind of a bit of where you that that's kind of a bit of where you that that's kind of a bit of where you were going with this. Before we get to were going with this. Before we get to were going with this. Before we get to plot, if you will, uh, I want to get to plot, if you will, uh, I want to get to plot, if you will, uh, I want to get to character. What can you tell us about character. What can you tell us about character. What can you tell us about the person of Jeremiah to help us the person of Jeremiah to help us the person of Jeremiah to help us understand a little bit of who he was understand a little bit of who he was understand a little bit of who he was and then help us to under, you know, to and then help us to under, you know, to and then help us to under, you know, to better appreciate what we're going to be better appreciate what we're going to be better appreciate what we're going to be reading in this book. reading in this book. reading in this book. >> Yeah. The kind of uh person, the kind of >> Yeah. The kind of uh person, the kind of >> Yeah. The kind of uh person, the kind of roots, the kind of background uh that roots, the kind of background uh that roots, the kind of background uh that Jeremiah has uh will be crucial for Jeremiah has uh will be crucial for Jeremiah has uh will be crucial for interpreting the book. Uh so we have interpreting the book. Uh so we have interpreting the book. Uh so we have someone who's appointed uh from the someone who's appointed uh from the someone who's appointed uh from the tribe of Benjamin uh to be a priest over tribe of Benjamin uh to be a priest over tribe of Benjamin uh to be a priest over uh his people. And a priest is someone uh his people. And a priest is someone uh his people. And a priest is someone who speaks uh for the people to God. But who speaks uh for the people to God. But who speaks uh for the people to God. But we also have someone who's appointed as we also have someone who's appointed as we also have someone who's appointed as a priest uh for a temple that's going a priest uh for a temple that's going a priest uh for a temple that's going away for a people who mistrust him away for a people who mistrust him away for a people who mistrust him because they want him to say certain because they want him to say certain because they want him to say certain things. And so they're trying to figure things. And so they're trying to figure things. And so they're trying to figure out whether this guy, this Benjamite out whether this guy, this Benjamite out whether this guy, this Benjamite priest is really one of us. And priest is really one of us. And priest is really one of us. And especially when he claims and he asserts especially when he claims and he asserts especially when he claims and he asserts that he's speaking for Yahweh that that he's speaking for Yahweh that that he's speaking for Yahweh that Babylon is coming and Babylon is even of Babylon is coming and Babylon is even of Babylon is coming and Babylon is even of God's own instrument. Uh they consider

God's own instrument. Uh they consider God's own instrument. Uh they consider him a traitor. Uh so we have a priest him a traitor. Uh so we have a priest him a traitor. Uh so we have a priest with a temple who's going away. A priest with a temple who's going away. A priest with a temple who's going away. A priest who's trying to serve a people who don't who's trying to serve a people who don't who's trying to serve a people who don't always trust him. Um a priest who is always trust him. Um a priest who is always trust him. Um a priest who is speaking for the people to God with his speaking for the people to God with his speaking for the people to God with his own complaints and sometimes theirs own complaints and sometimes theirs own complaints and sometimes theirs mixed in. but also someone who's mixed in. but also someone who's mixed in. but also someone who's speaking as a prophet going the other speaking as a prophet going the other speaking as a prophet going the other direction from God speaking to people. direction from God speaking to people. direction from God speaking to people. So we've got this uh deeply conflicted So we've got this uh deeply conflicted So we've got this uh deeply conflicted and emotional figure. Um and when he and emotional figure. Um and when he and emotional figure. Um and when he speaks in his eye voice, we have to pay speaks in his eye voice, we have to pay speaks in his eye voice, we have to pay very close attention whether he's very close attention whether he's very close attention whether he's speaking for himself, for his people or speaking for himself, for his people or speaking for himself, for his people or for his God. for his God. for his God. >> And then when he's speaking to you, um >> And then when he's speaking to you, um >> And then when he's speaking to you, um is he speaking uh as himself or the is he speaking uh as himself or the is he speaking uh as himself or the people to God or for God to the people people to God or for God to the people people to God or for God to the people as you? And sometimes uh singulars and as you? And sometimes uh singulars and as you? And sometimes uh singulars and plurals will help us figure out whether plurals will help us figure out whether plurals will help us figure out whether his audience is one individual um or his audience is one individual um or his audience is one individual um or it's going to be a group of people. Uh it's going to be a group of people. Uh it's going to be a group of people. Uh so um this is someone who speaks on so um this is someone who speaks on so um this is someone who speaks on behalf of many people as well as behalf of many people as well as behalf of many people as well as himself. himself. himself. >> Uh so in addition to talking about the >> Uh so in addition to talking about the >> Uh so in addition to talking about the person or personality of Jeremiah, some person or personality of Jeremiah, some person or personality of Jeremiah, some have talked about the persona of have talked about the persona of have talked about the persona of Jeremiah. He's not less than the Jeremiah. He's not less than the Jeremiah. He's not less than the historical Jeremiah, but he becomes historical Jeremiah, but he becomes historical Jeremiah, but he becomes something more. a theological symbol uh something more. a theological symbol uh something more. a theological symbol uh of for the people, for the city, and for of for the people, for the city, and for of for the people, for the city, and for God himself, too.

God himself, too. God himself, too. >> No, I think I think that's really >> No, I think I think that's really >> No, I think I think that's really helpful. Uh, you know, there's an idea helpful. Uh, you know, there's an idea helpful. Uh, you know, there's an idea of a Jeremiah, of somebody who is a of a Jeremiah, of somebody who is a of a Jeremiah, of somebody who is a representative who goes to bat for the representative who goes to bat for the representative who goes to bat for the people, almost like an intercessor in a people, almost like an intercessor in a people, almost like an intercessor in a way, but also somebody who carries a way, but also somebody who carries a way, but also somebody who carries a burden of a message. And I think that's burden of a message. And I think that's burden of a message. And I think that's what's so uh compelling about when we what's so uh compelling about when we what's so uh compelling about when we when we take Jeremiah and Lamentations when we take Jeremiah and Lamentations when we take Jeremiah and Lamentations together, not to jump ahead to, you together, not to jump ahead to, you together, not to jump ahead to, you know, the next episode in this series know, the next episode in this series know, the next episode in this series too much, but um but we but what we see too much, but um but we but what we see too much, but um but we but what we see is somebody who is clearly who is given is somebody who is clearly who is given is somebody who is clearly who is given this burden by God, you know, this this burden by God, you know, this this burden by God, you know, this message to repent, to tell people about message to repent, to tell people about message to repent, to tell people about it. And what ultimately, as we'll talk it. And what ultimately, as we'll talk it. And what ultimately, as we'll talk about happens is it doesn't quite go the about happens is it doesn't quite go the about happens is it doesn't quite go the way Jeremiah is hoping. And so it's he way Jeremiah is hoping. And so it's he way Jeremiah is hoping. And so it's he he's a very he's a very he's a very compelling character compelling character compelling character uh because we can resonate in a way but uh because we can resonate in a way but uh because we can resonate in a way but we'll never like it's because there is a we'll never like it's because there is a we'll never like it's because there is a burden on us too to share the good news burden on us too to share the good news burden on us too to share the good news you know to help people find Christ. Uh you know to help people find Christ. Uh you know to help people find Christ. Uh but at the same time, what we see in but at the same time, what we see in but at the same time, what we see in Jeremiah is a big personality, a big Jeremiah is a big personality, a big Jeremiah is a big personality, a big emotions, and um it's it's he's a emotions, and um it's it's he's a emotions, and um it's it's he's a fascinating read as we read this book in fascinating read as we read this book in fascinating read as we read this book in partnership with Lamentations.

partnership with Lamentations. partnership with Lamentations. >> Yeah. We we get from Jeremiah and >> Yeah. We we get from Jeremiah and >> Yeah. We we get from Jeremiah and Lamentations, I think, some of our best Lamentations, I think, some of our best Lamentations, I think, some of our best biblical material on constructing a biblical material on constructing a biblical material on constructing a theology of grief. theology of grief. theology of grief. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Uh and um what is the role of the man? >> Uh and um what is the role of the man? >> Uh and um what is the role of the man? What is what is the role of sadness? um What is what is the role of sadness? um What is what is the role of sadness? um and and even just understanding emotions and and even just understanding emotions and and even just understanding emotions more broadly. I think we could make a more broadly. I think we could make a more broadly. I think we could make a good case that Jeremiah and Lamentations good case that Jeremiah and Lamentations good case that Jeremiah and Lamentations together are the most intensely together are the most intensely together are the most intensely emotional uh books of the Bible. And emotional uh books of the Bible. And emotional uh books of the Bible. And surprisingly, the one uh we attribute surprisingly, the one uh we attribute surprisingly, the one uh we attribute this book to, the so-called weeping this book to, the so-called weeping this book to, the so-called weeping prophet, doesn't even uh weep as much as prophet, doesn't even uh weep as much as prophet, doesn't even uh weep as much as God himself in this book. And and that's God himself in this book. And and that's God himself in this book. And and that's one of the surprises. We'll talk about one of the surprises. We'll talk about one of the surprises. We'll talk about surprises in the book later on, but surprises in the book later on, but surprises in the book later on, but that's definitely one of them. that's definitely one of them. that's definitely one of them. >> Yes. Okay. So let's get to that then >> Yes. Okay. So let's get to that then >> Yes. Okay. So let's get to that then trajectory. As you said there's 52 trajectory. As you said there's 52 trajectory. As you said there's 52 chapters so there's quite a bit of chapters so there's quite a bit of chapters so there's quite a bit of ground to cover. So what does the ground to cover. So what does the ground to cover. So what does the trajectory of the book of Jeremiah look trajectory of the book of Jeremiah look trajectory of the book of Jeremiah look like? like? like? >> Yeah. So it's good that you talk about a >> Yeah. So it's good that you talk about a >> Yeah. So it's good that you talk about a trajectory which uh could be a trajectory which uh could be a trajectory which uh could be a chronological sequence without being chronological sequence without being chronological sequence without being locked into one.

locked into one. locked into one. >> Uh and a trajectory um as a metaphor >> Uh and a trajectory um as a metaphor >> Uh and a trajectory um as a metaphor gives us uh a bit more flexibility to gives us uh a bit more flexibility to gives us uh a bit more flexibility to work with. Uh so one of the most work with. Uh so one of the most work with. Uh so one of the most confusing things about the book is that confusing things about the book is that confusing things about the book is that the chapter sequence is not necessarily the chapter sequence is not necessarily the chapter sequence is not necessarily the chronological sequence. So why this the chronological sequence. So why this the chronological sequence. So why this kind of uh you might say disorder. Um so kind of uh you might say disorder. Um so kind of uh you might say disorder. Um so uh even though I'm going to give a very uh even though I'm going to give a very uh even though I'm going to give a very quick outline of the book uh we quick outline of the book uh we quick outline of the book uh we shouldn't get this notion uh that the shouldn't get this notion uh that the shouldn't get this notion uh that the literary uh order is necessarily um literary uh order is necessarily um literary uh order is necessarily um going to lock down the book in a going to lock down the book in a going to lock down the book in a predictable kind of trajectory. So just predictable kind of trajectory. So just predictable kind of trajectory. So just at a really high level, um the first at a really high level, um the first at a really high level, um the first chapter is the calling narrative of the chapter is the calling narrative of the chapter is the calling narrative of the prophet. He's sent by Yahweh for the prophet. He's sent by Yahweh for the prophet. He's sent by Yahweh for the purpose of speaking a word to the purpose of speaking a word to the purpose of speaking a word to the nations including Judah. Then we have nations including Judah. Then we have nations including Judah. Then we have the next nine chapters, chapters 2 the next nine chapters, chapters 2 the next nine chapters, chapters 2 through 10. How that calling begins to through 10. How that calling begins to through 10. How that calling begins to play out uh when Yahweh and Judah and play out uh when Yahweh and Judah and play out uh when Yahweh and Judah and Jeremiah engage in these disputations Jeremiah engage in these disputations Jeremiah engage in these disputations about how Judah really is the worst of about how Judah really is the worst of about how Judah really is the worst of the nations. It's quite a horrifying the nations. It's quite a horrifying the nations. It's quite a horrifying thing for his people to be hearing. This thing for his people to be hearing. This thing for his people to be hearing. This is when they start to consider him a is when they start to consider him a is when they start to consider him a traitor. Um, and this calling is so uh traitor. Um, and this calling is so uh traitor. Um, and this calling is so uh taxing for him. Um, this leads us to 10 taxing for him. Um, this leads us to 10 taxing for him. Um, this leads us to 10 chapters that are usually called the chapters that are usually called the chapters that are usually called the confessions in chapters 11 through 20.

confessions in chapters 11 through 20. confessions in chapters 11 through 20. Um, and this is where Jeremiah's own Um, and this is where Jeremiah's own Um, and this is where Jeremiah's own pathos uh mixes with gods and there's a pathos uh mixes with gods and there's a pathos uh mixes with gods and there's a sense in which all of these emotions sense in which all of these emotions sense in which all of these emotions crash together as he prophesies with and crash together as he prophesies with and crash together as he prophesies with and for and against Judah sometimes all at for and against Judah sometimes all at for and against Judah sometimes all at once. Um and then that that's going to once. Um and then that that's going to once. Um and then that that's going to be really the um emotional peak of the be really the um emotional peak of the be really the um emotional peak of the book. Um along with the first um section book. Um along with the first um section book. Um along with the first um section of from 2 through 10. Then we get a bit of from 2 through 10. Then we get a bit of from 2 through 10. Then we get a bit of an emotional lull as we go to of an emotional lull as we go to of an emotional lull as we go to narratives and poetic sections about narratives and poetic sections about narratives and poetic sections about Davidic kingship. That's going to be Davidic kingship. That's going to be Davidic kingship. That's going to be chapters 21- 24. 25 is an interlude chapters 21- 24. 25 is an interlude chapters 21- 24. 25 is an interlude about the nations. Uh and then right about the nations. Uh and then right about the nations. Uh and then right after that we have four chapters uh 26 after that we have four chapters uh 26 after that we have four chapters uh 26 through 29 about true versus false through 29 about true versus false through 29 about true versus false prophets. And our most famous verse uh prophets. And our most famous verse uh prophets. And our most famous verse uh of the book is going to come from those. of the book is going to come from those. of the book is going to come from those. We'll talk about that perhaps later. We'll talk about that perhaps later. We'll talk about that perhaps later. Then we have a theological uh peak in Then we have a theological uh peak in Then we have a theological uh peak in the book uh in chapters 30 to 33 called the book uh in chapters 30 to 33 called the book uh in chapters 30 to 33 called the book of consolation. Uh this the book of consolation. Uh this the book of consolation. Uh this contains the famous new covenant passage contains the famous new covenant passage contains the famous new covenant passage in chapter 31. Um then we've got another in chapter 31. Um then we've got another in chapter 31. Um then we've got another interlude in chapters 34 and 35 about interlude in chapters 34 and 35 about interlude in chapters 34 and 35 about how different groups of people are how different groups of people are how different groups of people are responding to Babylon. And then we have responding to Babylon. And then we have responding to Babylon. And then we have uh 10 chapters of what are sometimes uh 10 chapters of what are sometimes uh 10 chapters of what are sometimes called the via delar roa of Jeremiah the called the via delar roa of Jeremiah the called the via delar roa of Jeremiah the prophet chapters 36-4.

prophet chapters 36-4. prophet chapters 36-4. And as he is a prophet who's on this And as he is a prophet who's on this And as he is a prophet who's on this suffering road to Jerusalem and then suffering road to Jerusalem and then suffering road to Jerusalem and then leaving uh Jerusalem and going to Egypt. leaving uh Jerusalem and going to Egypt. leaving uh Jerusalem and going to Egypt. Um a lot of people have seen an Um a lot of people have seen an Um a lot of people have seen an anticipation of Christ's own suffering anticipation of Christ's own suffering anticipation of Christ's own suffering around Jerusalem. So that's why um around Jerusalem. So that's why um around Jerusalem. So that's why um they're sometimes called the vodarosa. they're sometimes called the vodarosa. they're sometimes called the vodarosa. after chapters 36- 45 will be six after chapters 36- 45 will be six after chapters 36- 45 will be six chapters about the nations uh chapters chapters about the nations uh chapters chapters about the nations uh chapters 46- 51 and then we have an epilogue of 46- 51 and then we have an epilogue of 46- 51 and then we have an epilogue of sorts uh in chapter 52 and this sorts uh in chapter 52 and this sorts uh in chapter 52 and this describes the final exile of Judah and describes the final exile of Judah and describes the final exile of Judah and how Jerusalem falls to Babylon and this how Jerusalem falls to Babylon and this how Jerusalem falls to Babylon and this mirrors um the very end of second Kings mirrors um the very end of second Kings mirrors um the very end of second Kings as well so yeah this is the longest book as well so yeah this is the longest book as well so yeah this is the longest book in the Old Testament by word count but in the Old Testament by word count but in the Old Testament by word count but it doesn't quite feel that way to us it doesn't quite feel that way to us it doesn't quite feel that way to us because the Psalms will take up more because the Psalms will take up more because the Psalms will take up more pages due to format ating as poetry. pages due to format ating as poetry. pages due to format ating as poetry. >> Um, but the combination of pros and >> Um, but the combination of pros and >> Um, but the combination of pros and poetry in Jeremiah means that we poetry in Jeremiah means that we poetry in Jeremiah means that we actually have the longest book of the actually have the longest book of the actually have the longest book of the Old Testament here. Um, it doesn't need Old Testament here. Um, it doesn't need Old Testament here. Um, it doesn't need to be tedious if we know what to look to be tedious if we know what to look to be tedious if we know what to look for. for. for. >> Yeah. Yeah. I was going to say I I think >> Yeah. Yeah. I was going to say I I think >> Yeah. Yeah. I was going to say I I think Jeremiah, the book I should say, often Jeremiah, the book I should say, often Jeremiah, the book I should say, often kind of gets a bad rap in with the kind of gets a bad rap in with the kind of gets a bad rap in with the prophets because you have Isaiah and prophets because you have Isaiah and prophets because you have Isaiah and people know Isaiah kind of points to people know Isaiah kind of points to people know Isaiah kind of points to Jesus, you know, so there's some love Jesus, you know, so there's some love Jesus, you know, so there's some love for Isaiah. You have Ezekiel and Daniel for Isaiah. You have Ezekiel and Daniel for Isaiah. You have Ezekiel and Daniel that are, you know, have grandiose stuff that are, you know, have grandiose stuff that are, you know, have grandiose stuff in it. You have a apocalyptic in it. You have a apocalyptic in it. You have a apocalyptic literature. You have these vision. You literature. You have these vision. You literature. You have these vision. You have all these interesting have all these interesting have all these interesting stories in those prophets. And then you stories in those prophets. And then you stories in those prophets. And then you have Jeremiah kind of this large book have Jeremiah kind of this large book have Jeremiah kind of this large book right in the middle. So I think it kind right in the middle. So I think it kind right in the middle. So I think it kind of gets a bad rap. But but as you laid

of gets a bad rap. But but as you laid of gets a bad rap. But but as you laid out, there's so much ground that is out, there's so much ground that is out, there's so much ground that is covered in this book. There are so many covered in this book. There are so many covered in this book. There are so many different um ways in which Jeremiah is different um ways in which Jeremiah is different um ways in which Jeremiah is is looking at his relationship with God is looking at his relationship with God is looking at his relationship with God at at his calling to to call people at at his calling to to call people at at his calling to to call people towards repentance. He has he he talks towards repentance. He has he he talks towards repentance. He has he he talks about God. There's some key passages in about God. There's some key passages in about God. There's some key passages in here. There's there's a lot of good here. There's there's a lot of good here. There's there's a lot of good stuff that is found in Jeremiah. So stuff that is found in Jeremiah. So stuff that is found in Jeremiah. So that's all my way of telling the that's all my way of telling the that's all my way of telling the listener. Don't just skip over Jeremiah. listener. Don't just skip over Jeremiah. listener. Don't just skip over Jeremiah. Yeah, it may be a little t, you know, it Yeah, it may be a little t, you know, it Yeah, it may be a little t, you know, it may be a little scary as you open it up may be a little scary as you open it up may be a little scary as you open it up and you kind of look at how how long it and you kind of look at how how long it and you kind of look at how how long it is and you're like, "Oh, boy." But it is and you're like, "Oh, boy." But it is and you're like, "Oh, boy." But it it's it's completely and utterly worth it's it's completely and utterly worth it's it's completely and utterly worth it. it. it. >> Absolutely. >> Absolutely. >> Absolutely. >> I would hope that you would sign on to >> I would hope that you would sign on to >> I would hope that you would sign on to that. Okay, let's talk about some of the that. Okay, let's talk about some of the that. Okay, let's talk about some of the major themes that we find in the book major themes that we find in the book major themes that we find in the book because I think when we understand the because I think when we understand the because I think when we understand the themes, it helps the reader um not feel themes, it helps the reader um not feel themes, it helps the reader um not feel as um as nervous or scared to jump into as um as nervous or scared to jump into as um as nervous or scared to jump into a book. So, what are the major themes a book. So, what are the major themes a book. So, what are the major themes that we should be looking for in that we should be looking for in that we should be looking for in Jeremiah? And how does knowing those Jeremiah? And how does knowing those Jeremiah? And how does knowing those themes affect our reading of the book?

themes affect our reading of the book? themes affect our reading of the book? >> Yeah, thanks for that, Jason. And um let >> Yeah, thanks for that, Jason. And um let >> Yeah, thanks for that, Jason. And um let me pause for a moment. Um it occurred to me pause for a moment. Um it occurred to me pause for a moment. Um it occurred to me because I've been on the other side me because I've been on the other side me because I've been on the other side of things. Um of things. Um of things. Um >> um are you recording in Zoom or outside >> um are you recording in Zoom or outside >> um are you recording in Zoom or outside Zoom? Were you supposed to start a Zoom? Were you supposed to start a Zoom? Were you supposed to start a recording? recording? recording? >> No, no, no. I Sorry. Good. No, I'm >> No, no, no. I Sorry. Good. No, I'm >> No, no, no. I Sorry. Good. No, I'm recording outside of Zoom. recording outside of Zoom. recording outside of Zoom. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> So, it's totally fine. It doesn't say >> So, it's totally fine. It doesn't say >> So, it's totally fine. It doesn't say that. Yeah. No, you're good. Thank you that. Yeah. No, you're good. Thank you that. Yeah. No, you're good. Thank you for wanting to make sure that it's good. for wanting to make sure that it's good. for wanting to make sure that it's good. >> Yeah. No, we're good. >> Yeah. No, we're good. >> Yeah. No, we're good. >> So, great. I I assume that's what you >> So, great. I I assume that's what you >> So, great. I I assume that's what you had going because you've obviously got a had going because you've obviously got a had going because you've obviously got a great setup uh over there. But, um great setup uh over there. But, um great setup uh over there. But, um >> yeah, I'm recording directly onto the >> yeah, I'm recording directly onto the >> yeah, I'm recording directly onto the recording device over that I got on the recording device over that I got on the recording device over that I got on the side here. side here. side here. >> Okay. Wonderful. Wonderful. Okay. So, um >> Okay. Wonderful. Wonderful. Okay. So, um >> Okay. Wonderful. Wonderful. Okay. So, um how how should we backtrack? Um how how should we backtrack? Um how how should we backtrack? Um >> let me ask the question again. >> let me ask the question again. >> let me ask the question again. >> Sure. Go ahead. >> Sure. Go ahead. >> Sure. Go ahead. >> Great. Let me just make a note. Uh, all right. Uh, all right. Okay. Okay. Okay. Um, well, let me reset where I was.

>> Sorry. >> Sorry. >> No, no, no. You're good. Please. All >> No, no, no. You're good. Please. All >> No, no, no. You're good. Please. All right. Here we go. I'm going to clap right. Here we go. I'm going to clap right. Here we go. I'm going to clap just so that my editor can know that just so that my editor can know that just so that my editor can know that we're that this is the moment. >> Okay. So, let's then talk about some of >> Okay. So, let's then talk about some of the major themes that we find in the the major themes that we find in the the major themes that we find in the book of Jeremiah. I think that, you book of Jeremiah. I think that, you book of Jeremiah. I think that, you know, a lot of times if we know the know, a lot of times if we know the know, a lot of times if we know the themes in advance of what we're looking themes in advance of what we're looking themes in advance of what we're looking for, it makes the book a little less for, it makes the book a little less for, it makes the book a little less scary because we kind of know what we're scary because we kind of know what we're scary because we kind of know what we're looking for. So, what are the major looking for. So, what are the major looking for. So, what are the major themes in this book? And how can knowing themes in this book? And how can knowing themes in this book? And how can knowing them affect how we approach reading the them affect how we approach reading the them affect how we approach reading the book? book? book? >> Sure. That that's a great way to get >> Sure. That that's a great way to get >> Sure. That that's a great way to get into the book. uh because if we just into the book. uh because if we just into the book. uh because if we just start reading right at the the start of start reading right at the the start of start reading right at the the start of the book, we could be um lost in a a the book, we could be um lost in a a the book, we could be um lost in a a forest of themes. They come uh hard and forest of themes. They come uh hard and forest of themes. They come uh hard and fast. And so what I like to do in fast. And so what I like to do in fast. And so what I like to do in talking about the book of Jeremiah is to talking about the book of Jeremiah is to talking about the book of Jeremiah is to first think about this notion of exile. first think about this notion of exile. first think about this notion of exile. Um we have about five decades of the Um we have about five decades of the Um we have about five decades of the southern kingdom's history, Judah's southern kingdom's history, Judah's southern kingdom's history, Judah's relationship to exile, which goes relationship to exile, which goes relationship to exile, which goes through several phases of a through several phases of a through several phases of a relationship. The exile starts out as a relationship. The exile starts out as a relationship. The exile starts out as a threat, as a possibility. Then as the threat, as a possibility. Then as the threat, as a possibility. Then as the people continue to be unresponsive to people continue to be unresponsive to people continue to be unresponsive to Yahweh, the threat of exile becomes the Yahweh, the threat of exile becomes the Yahweh, the threat of exile becomes the likelihood of exile. Then it becomes likelihood of exile. Then it becomes likelihood of exile. Then it becomes inevitability and then at the end it inevitability and then at the end it inevitability and then at the end it becomes finality. Uh so when the exile becomes finality. Uh so when the exile becomes finality. Uh so when the exile uh as a form of God's judgment through uh as a form of God's judgment through uh as a form of God's judgment through the hand of the nations moves through the hand of the nations moves through the hand of the nations moves through those different phases uh then we those different phases uh then we those different phases uh then we actually see the tone the message the

actually see the tone the message the actually see the tone the message the the whole approach to communication uh the whole approach to communication uh the whole approach to communication uh vary over time as uh Judah's vary over time as uh Judah's vary over time as uh Judah's relationship uh to this threatened relationship uh to this threatened relationship uh to this threatened punishment um goes through all of those punishment um goes through all of those punishment um goes through all of those phases. But along with those then we phases. But along with those then we phases. But along with those then we have uh the Lord's own emotional have uh the Lord's own emotional have uh the Lord's own emotional disposition toward his people as they disposition toward his people as they disposition toward his people as they work through these phases. And so it's work through these phases. And so it's work through these phases. And so it's no exaggeration to say that the book of no exaggeration to say that the book of no exaggeration to say that the book of Jeremiah describes how God both loves Jeremiah describes how God both loves Jeremiah describes how God both loves and hates his people. Uh he loves them and hates his people. Uh he loves them and hates his people. Uh he loves them so intensely that he longs for them uh so intensely that he longs for them uh so intensely that he longs for them uh to return. Uh the threat of exile is not to return. Uh the threat of exile is not to return. Uh the threat of exile is not some some um sadistic uh sort of killjoy some some um sadistic uh sort of killjoy some some um sadistic uh sort of killjoy theology in which God delights to theology in which God delights to theology in which God delights to inflict pain. It's quite the opposite. inflict pain. It's quite the opposite. inflict pain. It's quite the opposite. Um he threatens them um because they are Um he threatens them um because they are Um he threatens them um because they are so unresponsive over centuries. Um so he so unresponsive over centuries. Um so he so unresponsive over centuries. Um so he hates their disobedience but he loves hates their disobedience but he loves hates their disobedience but he loves them so much that he longs for them to them so much that he longs for them to them so much that he longs for them to return. Uh and as those uh two divine return. Uh and as those uh two divine return. Uh and as those uh two divine emotions play out over the phases of emotions play out over the phases of emotions play out over the phases of Judah's relationship to exile, we see Judah's relationship to exile, we see Judah's relationship to exile, we see that the same emotional conflict within that the same emotional conflict within that the same emotional conflict within God's own being is something that spills God's own being is something that spills God's own being is something that spills over into Jeremiah's own communication over into Jeremiah's own communication over into Jeremiah's own communication to the people.

to the people. to the people. >> Um and so this this is uh really a >> Um and so this this is uh really a >> Um and so this this is uh really a trialogue uh between God um his prophet trialogue uh between God um his prophet trialogue uh between God um his prophet and the people around this notion of and the people around this notion of and the people around this notion of exile. So this means that the book of exile. So this means that the book of exile. So this means that the book of Jeremiah with its long um duration Jeremiah with its long um duration Jeremiah with its long um duration covering all those decades covering all those decades covering all those decades >> also does something kind of unique. It >> also does something kind of unique. It >> also does something kind of unique. It doesn't just give us um theological doesn't just give us um theological doesn't just give us um theological themes. It also tells us how they themes. It also tells us how they themes. It also tells us how they developed over time um in a very real developed over time um in a very real developed over time um in a very real real way. Jeremiah does theology right real way. Jeremiah does theology right real way. Jeremiah does theology right in front of our eyes uh depending on the in front of our eyes uh depending on the in front of our eyes uh depending on the situation, the historical moment and how situation, the historical moment and how situation, the historical moment and how the people are responding and then how the people are responding and then how the people are responding and then how God in turn responds to their response. God in turn responds to their response. God in turn responds to their response. >> So that's another reason why it's >> So that's another reason why it's >> So that's another reason why it's complicated but it becomes a case study complicated but it becomes a case study complicated but it becomes a case study in theological method you could say. in theological method you could say. in theological method you could say. >> Would you give us an example of how he >> Would you give us an example of how he >> Would you give us an example of how he does theology in front of them? does theology in front of them? does theology in front of them? >> Yeah. So um we could use the the famous >> Yeah. So um we could use the the famous >> Yeah. So um we could use the the famous passage uh in chapter 29 uh verse 11 passage uh in chapter 29 uh verse 11 passage uh in chapter 29 uh verse 11 just as one example of this. Um so just as one example of this. Um so just as one example of this. Um so chapter 29 um is going to be a part of a chapter 29 um is going to be a part of a chapter 29 um is going to be a part of a section uh in chapters 26- 29 about true section uh in chapters 26- 29 about true section uh in chapters 26- 29 about true and false prophecy. M um so you have a and false prophecy. M um so you have a and false prophecy. M um so you have a false prophet in the picture named false prophet in the picture named false prophet in the picture named Haniah uh who is speaking words of Haniah uh who is speaking words of Haniah uh who is speaking words of comfort um at a time when the second of comfort um at a time when the second of comfort um at a time when the second of three deportations to Babylon has three deportations to Babylon has three deportations to Babylon has already happened. Sometimes we think of already happened. Sometimes we think of already happened. Sometimes we think of the Babylonian exile as being just one the Babylonian exile as being just one the Babylonian exile as being just one thing but it was actually three um three thing but it was actually three um three thing but it was actually three um three things uh with one overall result. um

things uh with one overall result. um things uh with one overall result. um the Israelites were deported to Babylon. the Israelites were deported to Babylon. the Israelites were deported to Babylon. But after that second deportation, uh But after that second deportation, uh But after that second deportation, uh you have the false prophet Haniah uh you have the false prophet Haniah uh you have the false prophet Haniah uh who's taking earlier words of comfort who's taking earlier words of comfort who's taking earlier words of comfort and probably drawing on the prophet and probably drawing on the prophet and probably drawing on the prophet Isaiah at this point um and saying that Isaiah at this point um and saying that Isaiah at this point um and saying that the Lord is going to imminently deliver the Lord is going to imminently deliver the Lord is going to imminently deliver us. Uh he's going to bring back uh one us. Uh he's going to bring back uh one us. Uh he's going to bring back uh one of our kings who has gone into exile. Um of our kings who has gone into exile. Um of our kings who has gone into exile. Um his name is Jehoa Chin, sometimes known his name is Jehoa Chin, sometimes known his name is Jehoa Chin, sometimes known as Jeaniah or Kaya. And so he's as Jeaniah or Kaya. And so he's as Jeaniah or Kaya. And so he's prophesying words of hope, but as we prophesying words of hope, but as we prophesying words of hope, but as we know in all other areas of life, the know in all other areas of life, the know in all other areas of life, the right thing at the wrong time is still right thing at the wrong time is still right thing at the wrong time is still the wrong thing. the wrong thing. the wrong thing. >> Uh so he's taking um really biblical >> Uh so he's taking um really biblical >> Uh so he's taking um really biblical words and concepts but applying them words and concepts but applying them words and concepts but applying them wrong. Uh when he says that judgment wrong. Uh when he says that judgment wrong. Uh when he says that judgment isn't necessary, uh we're God's chosen isn't necessary, uh we're God's chosen isn't necessary, uh we're God's chosen people. Um all the bad things that have people. Um all the bad things that have people. Um all the bad things that have happened to now are all going to turn happened to now are all going to turn happened to now are all going to turn around. And so we might almost say that around. And so we might almost say that around. And so we might almost say that Haniah is propounding a kind of Haniah is propounding a kind of Haniah is propounding a kind of prosperity theology using biblical ideas prosperity theology using biblical ideas prosperity theology using biblical ideas um which are not wrong in themselves but um which are not wrong in themselves but um which are not wrong in themselves but they're being applied the wrong way.

they're being applied the wrong way. they're being applied the wrong way. >> Um so when you take complacent and >> Um so when you take complacent and >> Um so when you take complacent and unresponsive people and then you give unresponsive people and then you give unresponsive people and then you give them further assurance um that's them further assurance um that's them further assurance um that's actually dangerous even though all of actually dangerous even though all of actually dangerous even though all of the words and the concepts might be the words and the concepts might be the words and the concepts might be biblical. And and so that's where biblical. And and so that's where biblical. And and so that's where chapter 29's letter to the exiles comes chapter 29's letter to the exiles comes chapter 29's letter to the exiles comes in because now they're trying to figure in because now they're trying to figure in because now they're trying to figure out whether they are second class uh out whether they are second class uh out whether they are second class uh within the family of God's people. within the family of God's people. within the family of God's people. You've got a group of them who were You've got a group of them who were You've got a group of them who were still left in Jerusalem. Uh and Haniah still left in Jerusalem. Uh and Haniah still left in Jerusalem. Uh and Haniah saying all of you in exile uh you're saying all of you in exile uh you're saying all of you in exile uh you're going to be going back soon. So they're going to be going back soon. So they're going to be going back soon. So they're really torn uh between messages of hope really torn uh between messages of hope really torn uh between messages of hope uh and messages of judgment. M uh and messages of judgment. M uh and messages of judgment. M >> and so that's where uh Jeremiah meets >> and so that's where uh Jeremiah meets >> and so that's where uh Jeremiah meets that historical moment by writing a that historical moment by writing a that historical moment by writing a letter to the exiles uh in which he letter to the exiles uh in which he letter to the exiles uh in which he tells them not to listen to false tells them not to listen to false tells them not to listen to false prophets like Haniah because by now prophets like Haniah because by now prophets like Haniah because by now we're in the inevitability phase of we're in the inevitability phase of we're in the inevitability phase of exile. So Haniah is trying to um rewind exile. So Haniah is trying to um rewind exile. So Haniah is trying to um rewind um to the time when um uh exile was not um to the time when um uh exile was not um to the time when um uh exile was not just sort of a threat and a likelihood, just sort of a threat and a likelihood, just sort of a threat and a likelihood, but he's saying that it's all done um but he's saying that it's all done um but he's saying that it's all done um and we're on the way back to Jerusalem.

and we're on the way back to Jerusalem. and we're on the way back to Jerusalem. So when Jeremiah gives his famous words So when Jeremiah gives his famous words So when Jeremiah gives his famous words there um that the Lord um knows his there um that the Lord um knows his there um that the Lord um knows his thoughts for his people, plans for thoughts for his people, plans for thoughts for his people, plans for shalom uh and not for for harm. Um, we shalom uh and not for for harm. Um, we shalom uh and not for for harm. Um, we really have to think carefully about really have to think carefully about really have to think carefully about whether we are understanding those words whether we are understanding those words whether we are understanding those words in Haniah's way or Jeremiah's way. in Haniah's way or Jeremiah's way. in Haniah's way or Jeremiah's way. >> Haniah is giving prosperity theology to >> Haniah is giving prosperity theology to >> Haniah is giving prosperity theology to the people by saying all of this is the people by saying all of this is the people by saying all of this is going to um go backwards and then we're going to um go backwards and then we're going to um go backwards and then we're going to return to Jerusalem. Now, um going to return to Jerusalem. Now, um going to return to Jerusalem. Now, um Jeremiah is actually saying that this Jeremiah is actually saying that this Jeremiah is actually saying that this exile is going to last for 70 years. Uh exile is going to last for 70 years. Uh exile is going to last for 70 years. Uh and we should seek the shalom of the and we should seek the shalom of the and we should seek the shalom of the place where we're planted right here in place where we're planted right here in place where we're planted right here in Babylon. Uh because our exile is going Babylon. Uh because our exile is going Babylon. Uh because our exile is going to have to play out. It's an to have to play out. It's an to have to play out. It's an inevitability at this point. Uh so we inevitability at this point. Uh so we inevitability at this point. Uh so we shouldn't listen to the false prophets shouldn't listen to the false prophets shouldn't listen to the false prophets who say we're going back. Uh and so who say we're going back. Uh and so who say we're going back. Uh and so Jeremiah, he uh uses a more correct uh Jeremiah, he uh uses a more correct uh Jeremiah, he uh uses a more correct uh theology uh to cor to to address the theology uh to cor to to address the theology uh to cor to to address the misunderstandings of hope and misunderstandings of hope and misunderstandings of hope and deliverance that came about during deliverance that came about during deliverance that came about during Haniah's time. Um all this to say um in Haniah's time. Um all this to say um in Haniah's time. Um all this to say um in a nutshell is that Jeremiah 29:11 is a nutshell is that Jeremiah 29:11 is a nutshell is that Jeremiah 29:11 is often used as the very same kind of often used as the very same kind of often used as the very same kind of prosperity theology that Haniah in the prosperity theology that Haniah in the prosperity theology that Haniah in the previous chapter was trying to convince previous chapter was trying to convince previous chapter was trying to convince people of. So when we arrive at an people of. So when we arrive at an people of. So when we arrive at an understanding of Jeremiah 29:11, which understanding of Jeremiah 29:11, which understanding of Jeremiah 29:11, which is actually the opposite of what it is actually the opposite of what it is actually the opposite of what it meant for those exiles in Babylon, uh meant for those exiles in Babylon, uh meant for those exiles in Babylon, uh then we really have just taken biblical

then we really have just taken biblical then we really have just taken biblical words and um removed them from their words and um removed them from their words and um removed them from their context and forced them to mean what we context and forced them to mean what we context and forced them to mean what we want or even need them to mean. And so want or even need them to mean. And so want or even need them to mean. And so that's u one example of how um the that's u one example of how um the that's u one example of how um the prophet Jeremiah, it might almost seem prophet Jeremiah, it might almost seem prophet Jeremiah, it might almost seem like he contradicts himself at times, like he contradicts himself at times, like he contradicts himself at times, but what we realize that there's a but what we realize that there's a but what we realize that there's a historical historical historical connection to these different phases of connection to these different phases of connection to these different phases of Judah's history, then we realize there Judah's history, then we realize there Judah's history, then we realize there aren't contradictions here. But timing aren't contradictions here. But timing aren't contradictions here. But timing is important. Uh because God's actions is important. Uh because God's actions is important. Uh because God's actions are not static. They're dynamic are not static. They're dynamic are not static. They're dynamic depending on how people respond to him. depending on how people respond to him. depending on how people respond to him. >> Yeah, we've touched on this a little bit >> Yeah, we've touched on this a little bit >> Yeah, we've touched on this a little bit already as you were talking about how already as you were talking about how already as you were talking about how it's, you know, you could say that this it's, you know, you could say that this it's, you know, you could say that this is a case of God showing his love for is a case of God showing his love for is a case of God showing his love for his people, but also his hate for his his people, but also his hate for his his people, but also his hate for his people. But um but we always like to ask people. But um but we always like to ask people. But um but we always like to ask what does this book so in this case what does this book so in this case what does this book so in this case Jeremiah teach us about God? Jeremiah teach us about God? Jeremiah teach us about God? >> Yeah that's a really big um question. >> Yeah that's a really big um question. >> Yeah that's a really big um question. >> Yeah. No kidding. >> Yeah. No kidding. >> Yeah. No kidding. And at the same time, you I'm I'm And at the same time, you I'm I'm And at the same time, you I'm I'm mindful of how all of us who who uh mindful of how all of us who who uh mindful of how all of us who who uh teach Old Testament courses and serve as teach Old Testament courses and serve as teach Old Testament courses and serve as Old Testament professors, this is almost Old Testament professors, this is almost Old Testament professors, this is almost like this occupational hazard that like this occupational hazard that like this occupational hazard that people uh come to a question like this people uh come to a question like this people uh come to a question like this with preconceived ideas of what God is with preconceived ideas of what God is with preconceived ideas of what God is like. Uh the God of the Old Testament, like. Uh the God of the Old Testament, like. Uh the God of the Old Testament, you know, it's almost like this uh you know, it's almost like this uh you know, it's almost like this uh >> stereotype um of this God who is mainly >> stereotype um of this God who is mainly >> stereotype um of this God who is mainly a king and a judge. Um and all of that a king and a judge. Um and all of that a king and a judge. Um and all of that is is true. The exile is going to be a is is true. The exile is going to be a is is true. The exile is going to be a matter of legal punishment.

matter of legal punishment. matter of legal punishment. >> But what I want to say uh to uh faithful >> But what I want to say uh to uh faithful >> But what I want to say uh to uh faithful students of the Old Testament who aren't students of the Old Testament who aren't students of the Old Testament who aren't satisfied with cliches is that thinking satisfied with cliches is that thinking satisfied with cliches is that thinking of God mainly as king and judge is of God mainly as king and judge is of God mainly as king and judge is incomplete. It's not untrue. Uh but it's incomplete. It's not untrue. Uh but it's incomplete. It's not untrue. Uh but it's incomplete to the point of being incomplete to the point of being incomplete to the point of being misleading. Uh since the other side of misleading. Uh since the other side of misleading. Uh since the other side of covenant and I want to be very careful covenant and I want to be very careful covenant and I want to be very careful here. Um a lot of people have understood here. Um a lot of people have understood here. Um a lot of people have understood covenant mainly as this legal or covenant mainly as this legal or covenant mainly as this legal or contractual matter but actually the contractual matter but actually the contractual matter but actually the roots of it in the ancient world come roots of it in the ancient world come roots of it in the ancient world come from the family. Um covenant uh the from the family. Um covenant uh the from the family. Um covenant uh the formula is I will be um your god and you formula is I will be um your god and you formula is I will be um your god and you will be my people. Uh and this is going will be my people. Uh and this is going will be my people. Uh and this is going to be um a modification of the marriage to be um a modification of the marriage to be um a modification of the marriage formula. I will be your husband, you formula. I will be your husband, you formula. I will be your husband, you will be my wife or the adoption formula. will be my wife or the adoption formula. will be my wife or the adoption formula. I will be your uh father and you will be I will be your uh father and you will be I will be your uh father and you will be my child. Um, so the other side of my child. Um, so the other side of my child. Um, so the other side of covenant is relational. It's not just covenant is relational. It's not just covenant is relational. It's not just legal, but it's deeply relational. And I legal, but it's deeply relational. And I legal, but it's deeply relational. And I would argue relational at its core. would argue relational at its core. would argue relational at its core. >> And so when you have a God uh who um >> And so when you have a God uh who um >> And so when you have a God uh who um feels the agony of loving his people uh feels the agony of loving his people uh feels the agony of loving his people uh because of this uh familial connection because of this uh familial connection because of this uh familial connection but hating their ingratitude and their but hating their ingratitude and their but hating their ingratitude and their disobedience, disobedience, disobedience, um we have a God whose pain is um we have a God whose pain is um we have a God whose pain is incredibly deep. Yeah.

incredibly deep. Yeah. incredibly deep. Yeah. >> Um he grieavves um much more than the >> Um he grieavves um much more than the >> Um he grieavves um much more than the prophet actually. I mean we have the prophet actually. I mean we have the prophet actually. I mean we have the famous paintings of Jeremiah by famous paintings of Jeremiah by famous paintings of Jeremiah by Michelangelo and Rembrandt. Um um but Michelangelo and Rembrandt. Um um but Michelangelo and Rembrandt. Um um but you can't sort of depict God right in a you can't sort of depict God right in a you can't sort of depict God right in a painting. So when we enjoy those painting. So when we enjoy those painting. So when we enjoy those paintings, um we should look past the paintings, um we should look past the paintings, um we should look past the persona of the prophet to see a god who persona of the prophet to see a god who persona of the prophet to see a god who cries out in anguish and says, "Oh, I cries out in anguish and says, "Oh, I cries out in anguish and says, "Oh, I just wish my head were waters, my eyes a just wish my head were waters, my eyes a just wish my head were waters, my eyes a fountain of tears that I might weep day fountain of tears that I might weep day fountain of tears that I might weep day and night for the slain of my people." and night for the slain of my people." and night for the slain of my people." Um, a lot of the time we think that's Um, a lot of the time we think that's Um, a lot of the time we think that's the prophet speaking, but if you look in the prophet speaking, but if you look in the prophet speaking, but if you look in the context, um, of chapter 9:1 and the the context, um, of chapter 9:1 and the the context, um, of chapter 9:1 and the passage right before that, um, it's the passage right before that, um, it's the passage right before that, um, it's the Lord himself speaking, um, the eye, um, Lord himself speaking, um, the eye, um, Lord himself speaking, um, the eye, um, plausibly could be the prophet, but then plausibly could be the prophet, but then plausibly could be the prophet, but then when you look more closely, it's when you look more closely, it's when you look more closely, it's actually the God of the prophet and not actually the God of the prophet and not actually the God of the prophet and not the prophet. And so, um, there's a God the prophet. And so, um, there's a God the prophet. And so, um, there's a God here whose emotions are super intense. here whose emotions are super intense. here whose emotions are super intense. Um, and for any of our uh, listeners Um, and for any of our uh, listeners Um, and for any of our uh, listeners who've sort of thought of God um, as who've sort of thought of God um, as who've sort of thought of God um, as being emotionally detached or uncaring, being emotionally detached or uncaring, being emotionally detached or uncaring, um, the book of Jeremiah offers just so um, the book of Jeremiah offers just so um, the book of Jeremiah offers just so much assurance that the emotions are not much assurance that the emotions are not much assurance that the emotions are not the enemy. Um, it's the sinful emotions the enemy. Um, it's the sinful emotions the enemy. Um, it's the sinful emotions that are the enemy. But uh feeling pain that are the enemy. But uh feeling pain that are the enemy. But uh feeling pain and being troubled by sin and feeling and being troubled by sin and feeling and being troubled by sin and feeling crushed uh between loving and hating crushed uh between loving and hating crushed uh between loving and hating those who are close to you. I mean this those who are close to you. I mean this those who are close to you. I mean this is something that is at the heart of God is something that is at the heart of God is something that is at the heart of God himself and it gives us a wonderful himself and it gives us a wonderful himself and it gives us a wonderful picture of what Jesus is like uh when he

picture of what Jesus is like uh when he picture of what Jesus is like uh when he uh enters our existence through the uh enters our existence through the uh enters our existence through the incarnation. incarnation. incarnation. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. I I think too Jeremiah offers this is I I think too Jeremiah offers this is I I think too Jeremiah offers this is this uh picture of the paradox of God. this uh picture of the paradox of God. this uh picture of the paradox of God. Whereas God calls the prophets in this Whereas God calls the prophets in this Whereas God calls the prophets in this case Jeremiah but we see it in other uh case Jeremiah but we see it in other uh case Jeremiah but we see it in other uh other books of the prophets. He calls other books of the prophets. He calls other books of the prophets. He calls them to go and to give this message to them to go and to give this message to them to go and to give this message to call these people to repent to turn back call these people to repent to turn back call these people to repent to turn back to him. All the while because God exists to him. All the while because God exists to him. All the while because God exists outside of time and is all knowing knows outside of time and is all knowing knows outside of time and is all knowing knows that they are not going to choose to do that they are not going to choose to do that they are not going to choose to do so. But it's the gift of choice other so. But it's the gift of choice other so. But it's the gift of choice other because if he didn't call them if he because if he didn't call them if he because if he didn't call them if he didn't do then you know didn't do then you know didn't do then you know it would seem as if as as if he's not it would seem as if as as if he's not it would seem as if as as if he's not giving them the reminder. How come he's giving them the reminder. How come he's giving them the reminder. How come he's not how come he's not giving them the not how come he's not giving them the not how come he's not giving them the reminder and they're not being able to reminder and they're not being able to reminder and they're not being able to choose? But instead, he he has prophets choose? But instead, he he has prophets choose? But instead, he he has prophets that he calls and he gives them this that he calls and he gives them this that he calls and he gives them this burden in this message to go and call burden in this message to go and call burden in this message to go and call people towards repentance even though people towards repentance even though people towards repentance even though they weren't going to do so. But uh they weren't going to do so. But uh they weren't going to do so. But uh but you still see God being emotional but you still see God being emotional but you still see God being emotional about it. God still cares so deeply. And about it. God still cares so deeply. And about it. God still cares so deeply. And that's just and that's a clear picture that's just and that's a clear picture that's just and that's a clear picture of just how much he loves each and every of just how much he loves each and every of just how much he loves each and every person. How much he wants them to be, person. How much he wants them to be, person. How much he wants them to be, you know, his children. how much he you know, his children. how much he you know, his children. how much he wants them to, you know, to end, you wants them to, you know, to end, you wants them to, you know, to end, you know, to cling to that relationship that know, to cling to that relationship that know, to cling to that relationship that he has carried with them throughout he has carried with them throughout he has carried with them throughout since the beginning of of of Eden. You

since the beginning of of of Eden. You since the beginning of of of Eden. You know, he's he's he's carried he's walked know, he's he's he's carried he's walked know, he's he's he's carried he's walked with them and he and he's he he is so with them and he and he's he he is so with them and he and he's he he is so grieved when we fall away as as we grieved when we fall away as as we grieved when we fall away as as we choose to not follow him, you know, and choose to not follow him, you know, and choose to not follow him, you know, and um as we choose to not repent from our um as we choose to not repent from our um as we choose to not repent from our sin. But I I it is an interesting sin. But I I it is an interesting sin. But I I it is an interesting picture of this paradox of God. So I picture of this paradox of God. So I picture of this paradox of God. So I wanted to call that out because I think wanted to call that out because I think wanted to call that out because I think a lot of readers might say, "Wait a a lot of readers might say, "Wait a a lot of readers might say, "Wait a second. God's calling people, you know, second. God's calling people, you know, second. God's calling people, you know, he's called Jeremiah to get them this he's called Jeremiah to get them this he's called Jeremiah to get them this message, but God already knows he's not message, but God already knows he's not message, but God already knows he's not going to do that here." going to do that here." going to do that here." >> Yeah. You you point out the paradox and >> Yeah. You you point out the paradox and >> Yeah. You you point out the paradox and and you frame it uh really nicely uh in and you frame it uh really nicely uh in and you frame it uh really nicely uh in terms of um how kind of our human uh terms of um how kind of our human uh terms of um how kind of our human uh limitations um lead us to wonder if limitations um lead us to wonder if limitations um lead us to wonder if sovereignty um are sort of um one part sovereignty um are sort of um one part sovereignty um are sort of um one part of God's character that will cancel out of God's character that will cancel out of God's character that will cancel out the intensity of his emotions. uh when the intensity of his emotions. uh when the intensity of his emotions. uh when we feel our most intense emotions would we feel our most intense emotions would we feel our most intense emotions would be when we don't know what's happening be when we don't know what's happening be when we don't know what's happening and that sense of surprise or joy or and that sense of surprise or joy or and that sense of surprise or joy or sadness is magnified uh by the not sadness is magnified uh by the not sadness is magnified uh by the not knowing. So a lot of people have sort of knowing. So a lot of people have sort of knowing. So a lot of people have sort of extrapolated from that to say that uh extrapolated from that to say that uh extrapolated from that to say that uh God's perfect sovereignty whether you God's perfect sovereignty whether you God's perfect sovereignty whether you conceive of it as kind of like a like a conceive of it as kind of like a like a conceive of it as kind of like a like a hard predestination or of of decreeing hard predestination or of of decreeing hard predestination or of of decreeing these things or a soft predestination of these things or a soft predestination of these things or a soft predestination of fornowing these things. Um the fornowing these things. Um the fornowing these things. Um the assumptions behind both of those views assumptions behind both of those views assumptions behind both of those views of the uh divine decree um often fall of the uh divine decree um often fall of the uh divine decree um often fall into thinking that sovereignty sort of into thinking that sovereignty sort of into thinking that sovereignty sort of cancels out the emotional side of God's cancels out the emotional side of God's cancels out the emotional side of God's life life life >> and and that's very foreign actually to

>> and and that's very foreign actually to >> and and that's very foreign actually to the Old Testament in which sovereignty the Old Testament in which sovereignty the Old Testament in which sovereignty and intensity of emotions go together. and intensity of emotions go together. and intensity of emotions go together. Now, we're just starting to tread now on Now, we're just starting to tread now on Now, we're just starting to tread now on the um edges of the mystery because our the um edges of the mystery because our the um edges of the mystery because our emotions are um bounded by time and emotions are um bounded by time and emotions are um bounded by time and space and and all of these other space and and all of these other space and and all of these other limitations. So, there's really an limitations. So, there's really an limitations. So, there's really an intriguing and um ineffable sense uh in intriguing and um ineffable sense uh in intriguing and um ineffable sense uh in which God's emotions uh precisely which God's emotions uh precisely which God's emotions uh precisely because they're not bound by time and because they're not bound by time and because they're not bound by time and space are actually more intense than space are actually more intense than space are actually more intense than human ones. We feel and think within our human ones. We feel and think within our human ones. We feel and think within our limitations, but what would it be like limitations, but what would it be like limitations, but what would it be like for a god to feel all of his emotions for a god to feel all of his emotions for a god to feel all of his emotions simultaneously? simultaneously? simultaneously? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And and these are discussions that I >> And and these are discussions that I >> And and these are discussions that I don't have the ability to engage in. You don't have the ability to engage in. You don't have the ability to engage in. You know, there are question divine know, there are question divine know, there are question divine simplicity and and assay and things that simplicity and and assay and things that simplicity and and assay and things that are way beyond me. I'm just an Old are way beyond me. I'm just an Old are way beyond me. I'm just an Old Testament specialist. Testament specialist. Testament specialist. >> I can feel my skull start pounding as >> I can feel my skull start pounding as >> I can feel my skull start pounding as we're like it's getting it's it's too we're like it's getting it's it's too we're like it's getting it's it's too big. It's too much.

big. It's too much. big. It's too much. Yeah, but the intensity of the emotions Yeah, but the intensity of the emotions Yeah, but the intensity of the emotions is not at odds with God's sovereignty. is not at odds with God's sovereignty. is not at odds with God's sovereignty. And it the godness of the sovereignty uh And it the godness of the sovereignty uh And it the godness of the sovereignty uh takes the godness of the emotions to the takes the godness of the emotions to the takes the godness of the emotions to the same level of intensity and purity. same level of intensity and purity. same level of intensity and purity. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And and that's something that lies >> And and that's something that lies >> And and that's something that lies beyond us. But that is the picture we beyond us. But that is the picture we beyond us. But that is the picture we get from the book of Jeremiah. get from the book of Jeremiah. get from the book of Jeremiah. >> Yeah. So what does this book teach us >> Yeah. So what does this book teach us >> Yeah. So what does this book teach us about ourselves about about people? about ourselves about about people? about ourselves about about people? >> Yeah. About people. Um there's such a >> Yeah. About people. Um there's such a >> Yeah. About people. Um there's such a realistic uh picture of people in this realistic uh picture of people in this realistic uh picture of people in this book, Jason. Um I think what we have book, Jason. Um I think what we have book, Jason. Um I think what we have here um are here um are here um are some of the Old Testament's most dire some of the Old Testament's most dire some of the Old Testament's most dire descriptions of human sinfulness. Um so descriptions of human sinfulness. Um so descriptions of human sinfulness. Um so that nothing surprises God. I I mean that nothing surprises God. I I mean that nothing surprises God. I I mean when we think about people who have the when we think about people who have the when we think about people who have the the boldness, you know, the hutzpa the boldness, you know, the hutzpa the boldness, you know, the hutzpa really uh to demand that God bless them really uh to demand that God bless them really uh to demand that God bless them um precisely because I've come to the um precisely because I've come to the um precisely because I've come to the temple and they turn the temple of temple and they turn the temple of temple and they turn the temple of Yahweh into this three-fold chant. Um Yahweh into this three-fold chant. Um Yahweh into this three-fold chant. Um they also have another slogan, you know, they also have another slogan, you know, they also have another slogan, you know, shalom, shalom. They they like to repeat shalom, shalom. They they like to repeat shalom, shalom. They they like to repeat it, probably an ironic or even sarcastic it, probably an ironic or even sarcastic it, probably an ironic or even sarcastic quote of Isaiah 26. Um, in our English quote of Isaiah 26. Um, in our English quote of Isaiah 26. Um, in our English Bibles it's perfect peace, but in Hebrew Bibles it's perfect peace, but in Hebrew Bibles it's perfect peace, but in Hebrew it's shalom. Shalom. So, we've got it's shalom. Shalom. So, we've got it's shalom. Shalom. So, we've got people who know everything they should people who know everything they should people who know everything they should know. Um, have full knowledge of God's know. Um, have full knowledge of God's know. Um, have full knowledge of God's revelation through the Torah and through revelation through the Torah and through revelation through the Torah and through what he has spoken uh in the prophets.

what he has spoken uh in the prophets. what he has spoken uh in the prophets. Um, and yet they sin um with such uh Um, and yet they sin um with such uh Um, and yet they sin um with such uh boldness and shamelessness that we might boldness and shamelessness that we might boldness and shamelessness that we might feel quite hopeless. Um, but alongside feel quite hopeless. Um, but alongside feel quite hopeless. Um, but alongside that, we have some of the Old that, we have some of the Old that, we have some of the Old Testament's most hopeful descriptions of Testament's most hopeful descriptions of Testament's most hopeful descriptions of how God will fix it all through the new how God will fix it all through the new how God will fix it all through the new covenant. Uh, and this leads us to that covenant. Uh, and this leads us to that covenant. Uh, and this leads us to that lovely section in Jeremiah 31 when lovely section in Jeremiah 31 when lovely section in Jeremiah 31 when Yahweh says, "Obedience will become Yahweh says, "Obedience will become Yahweh says, "Obedience will become possible again when he gives his people possible again when he gives his people possible again when he gives his people a new heart to obey his Torah and a new heart to obey his Torah and a new heart to obey his Torah and experience full renewal." So, you've got experience full renewal." So, you've got experience full renewal." So, you've got the pictures of the worst disobedience the pictures of the worst disobedience the pictures of the worst disobedience ever, but then you've got uh pictures of ever, but then you've got uh pictures of ever, but then you've got uh pictures of the most inspiring transformation the most inspiring transformation the most inspiring transformation uh as well, all within the same book. uh as well, all within the same book. uh as well, all within the same book. >> And so, the worst and the best of what >> And so, the worst and the best of what >> And so, the worst and the best of what it means to be human will all be found it means to be human will all be found it means to be human will all be found in this book. Um, and because it shows in this book. Um, and because it shows in this book. Um, and because it shows us really how to go through these kinds us really how to go through these kinds us really how to go through these kinds of crises, um, we, um, see in the book of crises, um, we, um, see in the book of crises, um, we, um, see in the book of Jeremiah, this is what life with God of Jeremiah, this is what life with God of Jeremiah, this is what life with God looks like when your world is falling looks like when your world is falling looks like when your world is falling apart.

apart. apart. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> I think this is, uh, what the book >> I think this is, uh, what the book >> I think this is, uh, what the book offers us. Uh, but again, the timing offers us. Uh, but again, the timing offers us. Uh, but again, the timing becomes important. Uh, and we have to becomes important. Uh, and we have to becomes important. Uh, and we have to know where in the book um, the know where in the book um, the know where in the book um, the appropriate theology for a particular appropriate theology for a particular appropriate theology for a particular moment or situation would be. Um, and moment or situation would be. Um, and moment or situation would be. Um, and this this is why the book of Jeremiah this this is why the book of Jeremiah this this is why the book of Jeremiah can be intimidating. If you are looking can be intimidating. If you are looking can be intimidating. If you are looking for consolation, um, and then you land for consolation, um, and then you land for consolation, um, and then you land in one of the judgment passages, um, the in one of the judgment passages, um, the in one of the judgment passages, um, the book isn't condemning you, uh, because book isn't condemning you, uh, because book isn't condemning you, uh, because you might be the innocent sufferer in you might be the innocent sufferer in you might be the innocent sufferer in this case. Um, there's another passage this case. Um, there's another passage this case. Um, there's another passage of the book that applies to your of the book that applies to your of the book that applies to your situation. And that's when um, having a situation. And that's when um, having a situation. And that's when um, having a tour guide through the book could be tour guide through the book could be tour guide through the book could be helpful. Yeah, it's also I think it's a helpful. Yeah, it's also I think it's a helpful. Yeah, it's also I think it's a good question to ask yourself as you are good question to ask yourself as you are good question to ask yourself as you are reading this book like who are you reading this book like who are you reading this book like who are you seeing yourself as as you're reading it? seeing yourself as as you're reading it? seeing yourself as as you're reading it? Are you seeing yourself as the person Are you seeing yourself as the person Are you seeing yourself as the person who is being called to repentance? Are who is being called to repentance? Are who is being called to repentance? Are you seeing yourself as the Jeremiah as you seeing yourself as the Jeremiah as you seeing yourself as the Jeremiah as somebody who has been called to go and somebody who has been called to go and somebody who has been called to go and share the good news with people in your share the good news with people in your share the good news with people in your own life who you know who may not be own life who you know who may not be own life who you know who may not be following God who and whatnot? So it's following God who and whatnot? So it's following God who and whatnot? So it's it's um so I think this book has some it's um so I think this book has some it's um so I think this book has some different angles for you to approach it different angles for you to approach it different angles for you to approach it in too as we're talking about what it in too as we're talking about what it in too as we're talking about what it teaches you about yourself too.

teaches you about yourself too. teaches you about yourself too. >> Yeah, that's right. That's right. >> Yeah, that's right. That's right. >> Yeah, that's right. That's right. >> Okay. So can you highlight it's a long >> Okay. So can you highlight it's a long >> Okay. So can you highlight it's a long book so I get that but can you highlight book so I get that but can you highlight book so I get that but can you highlight a couple of verses or passages or a couple of verses or passages or a couple of verses or passages or chapters, however you want to approach chapters, however you want to approach chapters, however you want to approach it. I kind of leave it up to you that it. I kind of leave it up to you that it. I kind of leave it up to you that you think are worth some particular you think are worth some particular you think are worth some particular consideration, some highlight ones that consideration, some highlight ones that consideration, some highlight ones that you're like, I I I want to make sure you're like, I I I want to make sure you're like, I I I want to make sure that people know about these verses, that people know about these verses, that people know about these verses, passages, or chapters. passages, or chapters. passages, or chapters. >> Yeah. Um just to know where to begin >> Yeah. Um just to know where to begin >> Yeah. Um just to know where to begin would be helpful for people. So, I've would be helpful for people. So, I've would be helpful for people. So, I've already mentioned uh Jeremiah 29 within already mentioned uh Jeremiah 29 within already mentioned uh Jeremiah 29 within that bigger section. Um but I would that bigger section. Um but I would that bigger section. Um but I would encourage people to read chapter 28 encourage people to read chapter 28 encourage people to read chapter 28 alongside 29. um and that will help us alongside 29. um and that will help us alongside 29. um and that will help us to reframe our understanding of the to reframe our understanding of the to reframe our understanding of the famous Jeremiah 29:11 famous Jeremiah 29:11 famous Jeremiah 29:11 about the plans uh that the Lord has for about the plans uh that the Lord has for about the plans uh that the Lord has for his people. So that would be um an his people. So that would be um an his people. So that would be um an important section. Um I mentioned important section. Um I mentioned important section. Um I mentioned Jeremiah 31 uh 31-34, the new covenant Jeremiah 31 uh 31-34, the new covenant Jeremiah 31 uh 31-34, the new covenant passage. Um but maybe the part of the passage. Um but maybe the part of the passage. Um but maybe the part of the book that um is really applicable for us book that um is really applicable for us book that um is really applicable for us um um um uh in in a time when a lot of people are uh in in a time when a lot of people are uh in in a time when a lot of people are wondering what does it mean to be God's wondering what does it mean to be God's wondering what does it mean to be God's people in a time of weakness rather than people in a time of weakness rather than people in a time of weakness rather than strength.

strength. strength. >> Um this leads me to the famous temple >> Um this leads me to the famous temple >> Um this leads me to the famous temple sermon of Jeremiah in chapter 7. sermon of Jeremiah in chapter 7. sermon of Jeremiah in chapter 7. >> Now the confusing thing about the temple >> Now the confusing thing about the temple >> Now the confusing thing about the temple sermon is that it actually is recorded sermon is that it actually is recorded sermon is that it actually is recorded twice in the book of Jeremiah. You have twice in the book of Jeremiah. You have twice in the book of Jeremiah. You have it once in chapter 7 and once in chapter it once in chapter 7 and once in chapter it once in chapter 7 and once in chapter 26. Um, and this is where the prophet 26. Um, and this is where the prophet 26. Um, and this is where the prophet Jeremiah uh talks a lot about the kinds Jeremiah uh talks a lot about the kinds Jeremiah uh talks a lot about the kinds of confusion that God's own people have. of confusion that God's own people have. of confusion that God's own people have. And the temple sermon um also um shows And the temple sermon um also um shows And the temple sermon um also um shows up as well even in in Jesus's up as well even in in Jesus's up as well even in in Jesus's confrontations with the leaders of his confrontations with the leaders of his confrontations with the leaders of his time as they um discuss and dispute over time as they um discuss and dispute over time as they um discuss and dispute over the second temple. So when Jeremiah is the second temple. So when Jeremiah is the second temple. So when Jeremiah is disputing with his own people about the disputing with his own people about the disputing with his own people about the first temple, Solomon's temple, um the first temple, Solomon's temple, um the first temple, Solomon's temple, um the temple sermon in chapter 7, uh is going temple sermon in chapter 7, uh is going temple sermon in chapter 7, uh is going to be a really um concise summation of to be a really um concise summation of to be a really um concise summation of all the misunderstandings that can all the misunderstandings that can all the misunderstandings that can result precisely because we are God's result precisely because we are God's result precisely because we are God's people. Uh so how do we fall into people. Uh so how do we fall into people. Uh so how do we fall into complacency complacency complacency um and even use or misuse theology to um and even use or misuse theology to um and even use or misuse theology to reinforce our own sense of false reinforce our own sense of false reinforce our own sense of false security? Um this is not just an security? Um this is not just an security? Um this is not just an individual thing but uh something that individual thing but uh something that individual thing but uh something that even speaks of the fate of nations. You even speaks of the fate of nations. You even speaks of the fate of nations. You know why is it that that this tiny know why is it that that this tiny know why is it that that this tiny nation of Judah matters so much?

nation of Judah matters so much? nation of Judah matters so much? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> In God's purposes when we're talking >> In God's purposes when we're talking >> In God's purposes when we're talking about the great empires of the day, about the great empires of the day, about the great empires of the day, Assyria and Babylon and later on Persia, Assyria and Babylon and later on Persia, Assyria and Babylon and later on Persia, Greece and Rome. Um how does God deal Greece and Rome. Um how does God deal Greece and Rome. Um how does God deal with empire? Um so a lot of um theology with empire? Um so a lot of um theology with empire? Um so a lot of um theology is condensed into the temple sermon in is condensed into the temple sermon in is condensed into the temple sermon in Jeremiah 7. So that would be one of the Jeremiah 7. So that would be one of the Jeremiah 7. So that would be one of the best places to begin. And then if we best places to begin. And then if we best places to begin. And then if we want to see how the people responded to want to see how the people responded to want to see how the people responded to that sermon, that would be Jeremiah 26. that sermon, that would be Jeremiah 26. that sermon, that would be Jeremiah 26. uh when the people who started out um uh when the people who started out um uh when the people who started out um intently listening to him by the end of intently listening to him by the end of intently listening to him by the end of that sermon and we see a concise um um a that sermon and we see a concise um um a that sermon and we see a concise um um a condensed version of it uh in chapter 26 condensed version of it uh in chapter 26 condensed version of it uh in chapter 26 they're ready to kill him until they they're ready to kill him until they they're ready to kill him until they realize that Jeremiah is not that realize that Jeremiah is not that realize that Jeremiah is not that different from Micah and what Micah was different from Micah and what Micah was different from Micah and what Micah was saying a century earlier and he's saved saying a century earlier and he's saved saying a century earlier and he's saved at the last moment. Um but there are at the last moment. Um but there are at the last moment. Um but there are multiple times in which uh the theology multiple times in which uh the theology multiple times in which uh the theology like what we see in the temple sermon is like what we see in the temple sermon is like what we see in the temple sermon is rejected by the people and that won't be rejected by the people and that won't be rejected by the people and that won't be the first that won't be the last time the first that won't be the last time the first that won't be the last time that Jeremiah's own people try to kill that Jeremiah's own people try to kill that Jeremiah's own people try to kill him. him. him. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And uh so what does it look like to >> And uh so what does it look like to >> And uh so what does it look like to stand faithfully um the temple sermon in stand faithfully um the temple sermon in stand faithfully um the temple sermon in those two passages uh chapters 27 and 26 those two passages uh chapters 27 and 26 those two passages uh chapters 27 and 26 will give us a really fabulous will give us a really fabulous will give us a really fabulous introduction to what all of the book is introduction to what all of the book is introduction to what all of the book is saying. M okay that is that is helpful.

saying. M okay that is that is helpful. saying. M okay that is that is helpful. So we talked about chapter 7, chapter So we talked about chapter 7, chapter So we talked about chapter 7, chapter 26, chapter 29 and chapter 31. So as you 26, chapter 29 and chapter 31. So as you 26, chapter 29 and chapter 31. So as you are reading through the book of Jeremiah are reading through the book of Jeremiah are reading through the book of Jeremiah and just put little like like stopping and just put little like like stopping and just put little like like stopping points on those and be like I got to I points on those and be like I got to I points on those and be like I got to I got to focus here focus here like these got to focus here focus here like these got to focus here focus here like these are are little signpost chapters for are are little signpost chapters for are are little signpost chapters for your reading. your reading. your reading. >> Right. Okay. Um just a couple more >> Right. Okay. Um just a couple more >> Right. Okay. Um just a couple more questions as we navigate through questions as we navigate through questions as we navigate through Jeremiah. Um, are there any sticky parts Jeremiah. Um, are there any sticky parts Jeremiah. Um, are there any sticky parts in the book? And I I I say that in terms in the book? And I I I say that in terms in the book? And I I I say that in terms of is there anything particularly of is there anything particularly of is there anything particularly confusing, hard to read, troublesome, or confusing, hard to read, troublesome, or confusing, hard to read, troublesome, or whatever that that people should know whatever that that people should know whatever that that people should know about in advance so that when they get about in advance so that when they get about in advance so that when they get to it, they're not uh as confused. to it, they're not uh as confused. to it, they're not uh as confused. >> Yeah. Um maybe this is a good time to >> Yeah. Um maybe this is a good time to >> Yeah. Um maybe this is a good time to reiterate how the book is not always in reiterate how the book is not always in reiterate how the book is not always in a chronological order. Uh and this is a chronological order. Uh and this is a chronological order. Uh and this is sometimes going to wreak havoc upon our sometimes going to wreak havoc upon our sometimes going to wreak havoc upon our reading plans. Uh which sort of assume reading plans. Uh which sort of assume reading plans. Uh which sort of assume that literary order equals chronological that literary order equals chronological that literary order equals chronological order. Um and this is uh when it's order. Um and this is uh when it's order. Um and this is uh when it's helpful for us to remember that not all helpful for us to remember that not all helpful for us to remember that not all storytelling needs to unfold in linear storytelling needs to unfold in linear storytelling needs to unfold in linear sequence. Um so it might be helpful just sequence. Um so it might be helpful just sequence. Um so it might be helpful just as a general reading strategy um to as a general reading strategy um to as a general reading strategy um to think in terms of the chunks of the book think in terms of the chunks of the book think in terms of the chunks of the book um which we talked about at the um which we talked about at the um which we talked about at the beginning of this recording. So we have beginning of this recording. So we have beginning of this recording. So we have um chapter 1 which is an introduction um chapter 1 which is an introduction um chapter 1 which is an introduction and then 2 through 10 is all one section and then 2 through 10 is all one section and then 2 through 10 is all one section with the temple sermon right in the

with the temple sermon right in the with the temple sermon right in the middle there in chapter 7. Um then we middle there in chapter 7. Um then we middle there in chapter 7. Um then we have the confessions in 11 through 20. have the confessions in 11 through 20. have the confessions in 11 through 20. Um now we're speaking um about these Um now we're speaking um about these Um now we're speaking um about these different chunks of the book and and different chunks of the book and and different chunks of the book and and this is um important because uh every this is um important because uh every this is um important because uh every part of the book needs to be seen in part of the book needs to be seen in part of the book needs to be seen in light of the whole um and when we read light of the whole um and when we read light of the whole um and when we read uh sequentially a chapter a day it can uh sequentially a chapter a day it can uh sequentially a chapter a day it can be uh easy to get sort of lost uh within be uh easy to get sort of lost uh within be uh easy to get sort of lost uh within the details of one chapter that we miss the details of one chapter that we miss the details of one chapter that we miss the big picture. I'll give us a classic the big picture. I'll give us a classic the big picture. I'll give us a classic example of that um in uh chapter 15. Um, example of that um in uh chapter 15. Um, example of that um in uh chapter 15. Um, chapter 15 is going to be not quite the chapter 15 is going to be not quite the chapter 15 is going to be not quite the darkest of Jeremiah's confessions that darkest of Jeremiah's confessions that darkest of Jeremiah's confessions that would uh come in chapter 20. Um, but in would uh come in chapter 20. Um, but in would uh come in chapter 20. Um, but in chapter 15, um, he talks back to God in chapter 15, um, he talks back to God in chapter 15, um, he talks back to God in ways that get him in trouble. Um, and ways that get him in trouble. Um, and ways that get him in trouble. Um, and and this is actually a a really great and this is actually a a really great and this is actually a a really great microcosm of how lament works. uh microcosm of how lament works. uh microcosm of how lament works. uh talking to God is more important um than talking to God is more important um than talking to God is more important um than keeping quiet and thinking that giving keeping quiet and thinking that giving keeping quiet and thinking that giving God the silent treatment is more God the silent treatment is more God the silent treatment is more faithful than talking to him. Now in faithful than talking to him. Now in faithful than talking to him. Now in human speech we say if you don't have human speech we say if you don't have human speech we say if you don't have anything nice to say don't say it at anything nice to say don't say it at anything nice to say don't say it at all. But that's actually not true in all. But that's actually not true in all. But that's actually not true in lament. And so what we have in chapter lament. And so what we have in chapter lament. And so what we have in chapter 15 is a time when um Jeremiah accuses 15 is a time when um Jeremiah accuses 15 is a time when um Jeremiah accuses the Lord of being careless uh toward his the Lord of being careless uh toward his the Lord of being careless uh toward his people. uh he goes even further in people. uh he goes even further in people. uh he goes even further in chapter 20 when he is virtually suicidal chapter 20 when he is virtually suicidal chapter 20 when he is virtually suicidal but we actually have God's response to but we actually have God's response to but we actually have God's response to him in chapter 15 and so even within the him in chapter 15 and so even within the him in chapter 15 and so even within the bounds of chapter 15 um there is

bounds of chapter 15 um there is bounds of chapter 15 um there is something sticky there uh Jeremiah says something sticky there uh Jeremiah says something sticky there uh Jeremiah says words that the best version of him would words that the best version of him would words that the best version of him would regret regret regret >> uh so um it'll sound irreverent if I put >> uh so um it'll sound irreverent if I put >> uh so um it'll sound irreverent if I put it this way um but follow me uh till the it this way um but follow me uh till the it this way um but follow me uh till the end here um there are parts of what end here um there are parts of what end here um there are parts of what Jeremiah says um that are wrong. Okay? Jeremiah says um that are wrong. Okay? Jeremiah says um that are wrong. Okay? And and so this calls into question for And and so this calls into question for And and so this calls into question for some of us our doctrine of scripture. some of us our doctrine of scripture. some of us our doctrine of scripture. You know, how can there be wrong words You know, how can there be wrong words You know, how can there be wrong words in the Bible? But if we interpret um the in the Bible? But if we interpret um the in the Bible? But if we interpret um the wrong words, the laments, the complaints wrong words, the laments, the complaints wrong words, the laments, the complaints of Jeremiah according to their context of Jeremiah according to their context of Jeremiah according to their context >> um then the rebuke that he gets from God >> um then the rebuke that he gets from God >> um then the rebuke that he gets from God uh corrects his own wrong words. But uh corrects his own wrong words. But uh corrects his own wrong words. But Jeremiah 15 records both the wrong Jeremiah 15 records both the wrong Jeremiah 15 records both the wrong though sincere words of Jeremiah as well though sincere words of Jeremiah as well though sincere words of Jeremiah as well as God's response. And so this is how I as God's response. And so this is how I as God's response. And so this is how I usually answer uh students and and usually answer uh students and and usually answer uh students and and church friends who wonder if lament can church friends who wonder if lament can church friends who wonder if lament can go too far go too far go too far >> um and whether we should hold back and >> um and whether we should hold back and >> um and whether we should hold back and sort of filter our words until we have sort of filter our words until we have sort of filter our words until we have the right things to say to God. And what the right things to say to God. And what the right things to say to God. And what I think we see instead in Jeremiah I think we see instead in Jeremiah I think we see instead in Jeremiah lamentations and other passages about lamentations and other passages about lamentations and other passages about lament is that um the filter is lament is that um the filter is lament is that um the filter is something that we can take off uh in something that we can take off uh in something that we can take off uh in God's presence. We can't surprise him.

God's presence. We can't surprise him. God's presence. We can't surprise him. Uh we can't say words that are so Uh we can't say words that are so Uh we can't say words that are so blasphemous that he'll um punish us blasphemous that he'll um punish us blasphemous that he'll um punish us right then and there. right then and there. right then and there. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> But Jeremiah definitely says sticky >> But Jeremiah definitely says sticky >> But Jeremiah definitely says sticky things, punishment worthy things. Mhm. things, punishment worthy things. Mhm. things, punishment worthy things. Mhm. >> And the fact that he verbalizes those >> And the fact that he verbalizes those >> And the fact that he verbalizes those things is essential. Um but if we sort things is essential. Um but if we sort things is essential. Um but if we sort of fixate on his words and not also how of fixate on his words and not also how of fixate on his words and not also how God responds, then we might get this God responds, then we might get this God responds, then we might get this notion that um the text is prescribing a notion that um the text is prescribing a notion that um the text is prescribing a kind of complaining to God that falls um kind of complaining to God that falls um kind of complaining to God that falls um into heresy when it when it doesn't. And into heresy when it when it doesn't. And into heresy when it when it doesn't. And so this is an issue in interpreting so this is an issue in interpreting so this is an issue in interpreting lament generally. We have to look at the lament generally. We have to look at the lament generally. We have to look at the laments in all of their honesty. Not laments in all of their honesty. Not laments in all of their honesty. Not just what is said, but also how um the just what is said, but also how um the just what is said, but also how um the Lord responds. And and sometimes there Lord responds. And and sometimes there Lord responds. And and sometimes there isn't a resolution. We we might be too isn't a resolution. We we might be too isn't a resolution. We we might be too quick to seek resolution, but in some of quick to seek resolution, but in some of quick to seek resolution, but in some of the passages in Jeremiah, like chapter the passages in Jeremiah, like chapter the passages in Jeremiah, like chapter 15, there is a resolution. So, we should 15, there is a resolution. So, we should 15, there is a resolution. So, we should um pay attention to the whole context. um pay attention to the whole context. um pay attention to the whole context. I was reminded as you were talking right I was reminded as you were talking right I was reminded as you were talking right now of the famous uh scene from the I now of the famous uh scene from the I now of the famous uh scene from the I think it's the last episode of season think it's the last episode of season think it's the last episode of season two of the West Wing where President two of the West Wing where President two of the West Wing where President Bartlett is having his uh alone time Bartlett is having his uh alone time Bartlett is having his uh alone time with God in the church and he's very with God in the church and he's very with God in the church and he's very angry and lamenting to him in Latin of angry and lamenting to him in Latin of angry and lamenting to him in Latin of course because he's President Bartlett course because he's President Bartlett course because he's President Bartlett and um but it's a very famous scene of and um but it's a very famous scene of and um but it's a very famous scene of just him just kind of laying it out on just him just kind of laying it out on just him just kind of laying it out on God. He's had people in his life who God. He's had people in his life who God. He's had people in his life who have died. Everything is struggling have died. Everything is struggling have died. Everything is struggling right now. everything's going in and right now. everything's going in and right now. everything's going in and he's saying, "Where were you? Why why he's saying, "Where were you? Why why he's saying, "Where were you? Why why did you let this happen?" And and we get

did you let this happen?" And and we get did you let this happen?" And and we get pictures of that in the Psalms from pictures of that in the Psalms from pictures of that in the Psalms from David. We get pictures of that in David. We get pictures of that in David. We get pictures of that in Jeremiah and Lamentations. And what we Jeremiah and Lamentations. And what we Jeremiah and Lamentations. And what we what we've what we see is that yes, like what we've what we see is that yes, like what we've what we see is that yes, like God knows your heart. He knows your God knows your heart. He knows your God knows your heart. He knows your honest, genuine heart. And and you know honest, genuine heart. And and you know honest, genuine heart. And and you know what's going to show him how much you what's going to show him how much you what's going to show him how much you love him is that you're going to engage love him is that you're going to engage love him is that you're going to engage with him. It's one thing to, as you with him. It's one thing to, as you with him. It's one thing to, as you said, the opposite is true. If you said, the opposite is true. If you said, the opposite is true. If you decide to hide it and say, uh, it's not decide to hide it and say, uh, it's not decide to hide it and say, uh, it's not even worth it or I don't want to bring even worth it or I don't want to bring even worth it or I don't want to bring this to or whatnot, then that shows that this to or whatnot, then that shows that this to or whatnot, then that shows that you you don't trust the depth of your you you don't trust the depth of your you you don't trust the depth of your relationship with him. relationship with him. relationship with him. >> Um, >> Um, >> Um, >> yeah, absolutely. That it's just one of >> yeah, absolutely. That it's just one of >> yeah, absolutely. That it's just one of the really outstanding contributions of the really outstanding contributions of the really outstanding contributions of the book. the book. the book. >> Agreed wholeheartedly. Um, okay. >> Agreed wholeheartedly. Um, okay. >> Agreed wholeheartedly. Um, okay. >> There's there's another sticky thing >> There's there's another sticky thing >> There's there's another sticky thing that I think I might mention that goes that I think I might mention that goes that I think I might mention that goes along with this. Um so just like um along with this. Um so just like um along with this. Um so just like um complaining theology which is honest complaining theology which is honest complaining theology which is honest theology is given its moment um to be theology is given its moment um to be theology is given its moment um to be voiced um the same thing is true of voiced um the same thing is true of voiced um the same thing is true of false prophecy false prophecy false prophecy >> uh within the book. So uh the book of >> uh within the book. So uh the book of >> uh within the book. So uh the book of Jeremiah doesn't hesitate to describe Jeremiah doesn't hesitate to describe Jeremiah doesn't hesitate to describe false prophecy um and um what people false prophecy um and um what people false prophecy um and um what people believe their superstitions believe their superstitions believe their superstitions um in order to expose those things. Uh um in order to expose those things. Uh um in order to expose those things. Uh and um we learn a lot actually about and um we learn a lot actually about and um we learn a lot actually about what the people actually believe. Um and what the people actually believe. Um and what the people actually believe. Um and it's a really fascinating study when you it's a really fascinating study when you it's a really fascinating study when you listen to the people talk. Like there's listen to the people talk. Like there's listen to the people talk. Like there's this uh scene um as the people are on

this uh scene um as the people are on this uh scene um as the people are on their way to Egypt um in chapters uh 40- their way to Egypt um in chapters uh 40- their way to Egypt um in chapters uh 40- 44. Um this is the end of the via del 44. Um this is the end of the via del 44. Um this is the end of the via del Rosa section of Jeremiah. And the people Rosa section of Jeremiah. And the people Rosa section of Jeremiah. And the people are are are super confused uh because are are are super confused uh because are are are super confused uh because they see that the exile um is happening they see that the exile um is happening they see that the exile um is happening and they're wondering um did all of this and they're wondering um did all of this and they're wondering um did all of this happen because either Yahweh wasn't happen because either Yahweh wasn't happen because either Yahweh wasn't strong enough to save us or was it strong enough to save us or was it strong enough to save us or was it because we turned from the queen of because we turned from the queen of because we turned from the queen of heaven to follow Yahweh and she heaven to follow Yahweh and she heaven to follow Yahweh and she abandoned us? abandoned us? abandoned us? >> Uh or is it because um of some other >> Uh or is it because um of some other >> Uh or is it because um of some other reason? maybe just Babylon's gods are reason? maybe just Babylon's gods are reason? maybe just Babylon's gods are stronger than ours. And so as the people stronger than ours. And so as the people stronger than ours. And so as the people are musing about these things, um are musing about these things, um are musing about these things, um their popular religion along with other their popular religion along with other their popular religion along with other kinds of false prophecy is is front and kinds of false prophecy is is front and kinds of false prophecy is is front and center. So um the cultural engagement center. So um the cultural engagement center. So um the cultural engagement that the book of Jeremiah offers in that the book of Jeremiah offers in that the book of Jeremiah offers in describing what people believe and not describing what people believe and not describing what people believe and not just prescribing what they should just prescribing what they should just prescribing what they should believe uh is another feature of this believe uh is another feature of this believe uh is another feature of this book. Um and so um that's why it can be book. Um and so um that's why it can be book. Um and so um that's why it can be sticky as well. And there are these long sticky as well. And there are these long sticky as well. And there are these long sections uh of the book where it's sections uh of the book where it's sections uh of the book where it's describing what people actually believe.

describing what people actually believe. describing what people actually believe. Um but if we took those to be Um but if we took those to be Um but if we took those to be prescriptive, then we might get this prescriptive, then we might get this prescriptive, then we might get this idea that oh, they're fine, but they're idea that oh, they're fine, but they're idea that oh, they're fine, but they're actually not. Um so that's another actually not. Um so that's another actually not. Um so that's another sticky sticky sticky >> part of the book. We we get a lot of >> part of the book. We we get a lot of >> part of the book. We we get a lot of information about false belief and not information about false belief and not information about false belief and not just true belief. just true belief. just true belief. >> You've helped us to navigate through >> You've helped us to navigate through >> You've helped us to navigate through this book so much. I I have one final this book so much. I I have one final this book so much. I I have one final question for you uh as we start to wrap question for you uh as we start to wrap question for you uh as we start to wrap up. Sure. up. Sure. up. Sure. >> You've spent a lot of time on on >> You've spent a lot of time on on >> You've spent a lot of time on on Jeremiah. Uh I don't know how much we Jeremiah. Uh I don't know how much we Jeremiah. Uh I don't know how much we can talk about it, but you're doing some can talk about it, but you're doing some can talk about it, but you're doing some uh more work on Jeremiah uh for for a uh more work on Jeremiah uh for for a uh more work on Jeremiah uh for for a future project that's coming up. What is future project that's coming up. What is future project that's coming up. What is something that you think everybody something that you think everybody something that you think everybody should know about this book, but should know about this book, but should know about this book, but probably doesn't? probably doesn't? probably doesn't? Yeah, I was um pondering um how to Yeah, I was um pondering um how to Yeah, I was um pondering um how to approach this particular topic. Um, and approach this particular topic. Um, and approach this particular topic. Um, and I think I come back to this idea that I think I come back to this idea that I think I come back to this idea that Jeremiah uh gives us one of the best Jeremiah uh gives us one of the best Jeremiah uh gives us one of the best models in the Bible of how to do models in the Bible of how to do models in the Bible of how to do theology in crisis while engaging theology in crisis while engaging theology in crisis while engaging culture.

culture. culture. >> Um, I think our tendency uh in moments >> Um, I think our tendency uh in moments >> Um, I think our tendency uh in moments of crisis is to withdraw uh rather than of crisis is to withdraw uh rather than of crisis is to withdraw uh rather than to engage. Yeah. to engage. Yeah. to engage. Yeah. >> Um so if we look at this first from a um >> Um so if we look at this first from a um >> Um so if we look at this first from a um perhaps more western uh perspective um perhaps more western uh perspective um perhaps more western uh perspective um we might ask what happens when a godly we might ask what happens when a godly we might ask what happens when a godly spiritual heritage is disappearing spiritual heritage is disappearing spiritual heritage is disappearing quickly at precisely a moment when the quickly at precisely a moment when the quickly at precisely a moment when the enemies of our people or the enemies of enemies of our people or the enemies of enemies of our people or the enemies of our nation seem to be on the rise. our nation seem to be on the rise. our nation seem to be on the rise. Jeremiah has all sorts of answers um for Jeremiah has all sorts of answers um for Jeremiah has all sorts of answers um for that set of questions. Do we double down that set of questions. Do we double down that set of questions. Do we double down on our identity, our heritage? uh do we on our identity, our heritage? uh do we on our identity, our heritage? uh do we try to use rituals and superstitions to try to use rituals and superstitions to try to use rituals and superstitions to fix our problems? Um but it's not just fix our problems? Um but it's not just fix our problems? Um but it's not just uh something that we uh in the west uh something that we uh in the west uh something that we uh in the west could use. Um because when I look at could use. Um because when I look at could use. Um because when I look at Jeremiah from a more non-western Jeremiah from a more non-western Jeremiah from a more non-western perspective such as uh from Asian perspective such as uh from Asian perspective such as uh from Asian perspectives um um since I served uh in perspectives um um since I served uh in perspectives um um since I served uh in Asia as a missionary for over a decade. Asia as a missionary for over a decade. Asia as a missionary for over a decade. Um I also find that Jeremiah uh Um I also find that Jeremiah uh Um I also find that Jeremiah uh interfaces with so many of the interfaces with so many of the interfaces with so many of the religious, the philosophical and religious, the philosophical and religious, the philosophical and theological ideas that are common theological ideas that are common theological ideas that are common outside the western world. Uh we have outside the western world. Uh we have outside the western world. Uh we have tools in the book of Jeremiah to engage tools in the book of Jeremiah to engage tools in the book of Jeremiah to engage uh many world religions. Uh so I'm just uh many world religions. Uh so I'm just uh many world religions. Uh so I'm just um surprised uh repeatedly by how the um surprised uh repeatedly by how the um surprised uh repeatedly by how the book of Jeremiah um gives us cultural book of Jeremiah um gives us cultural book of Jeremiah um gives us cultural engagement and crisis management um all engagement and crisis management um all engagement and crisis management um all in one. Um now it the subtleness of in one. Um now it the subtleness of in one. Um now it the subtleness of Jeremiah's responses to these issues Jeremiah's responses to these issues Jeremiah's responses to these issues means that we don't get formulas. Uh we

means that we don't get formulas. Uh we means that we don't get formulas. Uh we have to take the book as a whole. But I have to take the book as a whole. But I have to take the book as a whole. But I think Jeremiah gives us a really think Jeremiah gives us a really think Jeremiah gives us a really wonderful set of tools to do theology in wonderful set of tools to do theology in wonderful set of tools to do theology in crisis for both western and non-western crisis for both western and non-western crisis for both western and non-western cultures. Um and I've found that this cultures. Um and I've found that this cultures. Um and I've found that this book is one that I turn to again and book is one that I turn to again and book is one that I turn to again and again uh when we face situations like again uh when we face situations like again uh when we face situations like these. these. these. >> Well, Jerry, thank you so much. Uh, as >> Well, Jerry, thank you so much. Uh, as >> Well, Jerry, thank you so much. Uh, as we said earlier, this is, you know, a we said earlier, this is, you know, a we said earlier, this is, you know, a dense forest of Jeremiah, but thank you dense forest of Jeremiah, but thank you dense forest of Jeremiah, but thank you for navigating it uh us through it uh for navigating it uh us through it uh for navigating it uh us through it uh really well. I really appreciate it. Um, really well. I really appreciate it. Um, really well. I really appreciate it. Um, would you mind closing us uh in prayer, would you mind closing us uh in prayer, would you mind closing us uh in prayer, specifically praying for people as they specifically praying for people as they specifically praying for people as they pick up Jeremiah? I have no doubt pick up Jeremiah? I have no doubt pick up Jeremiah? I have no doubt everybody's going to rush their Bible everybody's going to rush their Bible everybody's going to rush their Bible now and start a Jeremiah reading plan. now and start a Jeremiah reading plan. now and start a Jeremiah reading plan. So, um, as they as they get into it, So, um, as they as they get into it, So, um, as they as they get into it, maybe they've never read it before or maybe they've never read it before or maybe they've never read it before or maybe they just want to revisit it now maybe they just want to revisit it now maybe they just want to revisit it now after this conversation, would you mind after this conversation, would you mind after this conversation, would you mind praying for them? praying for them? praying for them? >> Yeah, I'd love to, Jason, and thanks for >> Yeah, I'd love to, Jason, and thanks for >> Yeah, I'd love to, Jason, and thanks for having me on this recording. Um, I'll having me on this recording. Um, I'll having me on this recording. Um, I'll begin uh the prayer uh by reading from begin uh the prayer uh by reading from begin uh the prayer uh by reading from parts of Jeremiah 10. Uh, and this will parts of Jeremiah 10. Uh, and this will parts of Jeremiah 10. Uh, and this will become the springboard for our own uh become the springboard for our own uh become the springboard for our own uh response to God. Uh, let's pray all response to God. Uh, let's pray all response to God. Uh, let's pray all together.

There is none like you, oh Lord. There is none like you, oh Lord. You are great and great is your name in You are great and great is your name in You are great and great is your name in might. Who would not fear you, O king of might. Who would not fear you, O king of might. Who would not fear you, O king of the nations? Indeed, it is your due. For the nations? Indeed, it is your due. For the nations? Indeed, it is your due. For among all the wise men of the nations, among all the wise men of the nations, among all the wise men of the nations, and in all their kingdoms there is none and in all their kingdoms there is none and in all their kingdoms there is none like you. like you. like you. The Lord is the true God. He is the The Lord is the true God. He is the The Lord is the true God. He is the living God and the everlasting king. living God and the everlasting king. living God and the everlasting king. You God are the one who have made the You God are the one who have made the You God are the one who have made the earth by your power. Established the earth by your power. Established the earth by your power. Established the world by your wisdom. world by your wisdom. world by your wisdom. You have plans, good plans for nations You have plans, good plans for nations You have plans, good plans for nations big and small, for people both righteous big and small, for people both righteous big and small, for people both righteous and unrighteous. and unrighteous. and unrighteous. And as many of us uh who encounter this And as many of us uh who encounter this And as many of us uh who encounter this book of Jeremiah are also looking for a book of Jeremiah are also looking for a book of Jeremiah are also looking for a fresh word uh from your heart to ours, I fresh word uh from your heart to ours, I fresh word uh from your heart to ours, I pray that the words that you spoke to pray that the words that you spoke to pray that the words that you spoke to and through Jeremiah and through Jeremiah and through Jeremiah uh 2600 years ago would cross the miles uh 2600 years ago would cross the miles uh 2600 years ago would cross the miles and cross the centuries and become a and cross the centuries and become a and cross the centuries and become a fresh word to us.

fresh word to us. fresh word to us. The book of Jeremiah is complicated The book of Jeremiah is complicated The book of Jeremiah is complicated because life is complicated. And as our because life is complicated. And as our because life is complicated. And as our lives unfold over time, we find that lives unfold over time, we find that lives unfold over time, we find that what might have worked for one phase of what might have worked for one phase of what might have worked for one phase of our life may no longer work. But thank our life may no longer work. But thank our life may no longer work. But thank you that you are a God who walks with us you that you are a God who walks with us you that you are a God who walks with us through all the different phases of through all the different phases of through all the different phases of life. The book of Jeremiah is proof of life. The book of Jeremiah is proof of life. The book of Jeremiah is proof of your faithfulness as your people went your faithfulness as your people went your faithfulness as your people went from judgment to deliverance uh at the from judgment to deliverance uh at the from judgment to deliverance uh at the hands of their enemies to even seeing hands of their enemies to even seeing hands of their enemies to even seeing the deliverance of their enemies and the deliverance of their enemies and the deliverance of their enemies and coming to know you in the same way that coming to know you in the same way that coming to know you in the same way that your own people did. your own people did. your own people did. These are mysteries and we're just uh These are mysteries and we're just uh These are mysteries and we're just uh talking about the edge of your ways. Uh talking about the edge of your ways. Uh talking about the edge of your ways. Uh but thank you Lord that you give us a but thank you Lord that you give us a but thank you Lord that you give us a glimpse of the mysterious and the glimpse of the mysterious and the glimpse of the mysterious and the wonderful things that you are doing. For wonderful things that you are doing. For wonderful things that you are doing. For all the listeners uh who are ready to all the listeners uh who are ready to all the listeners uh who are ready to meet you through the book of Jeremiah. I meet you through the book of Jeremiah. I meet you through the book of Jeremiah. I pray that your holy spirit would direct pray that your holy spirit would direct pray that your holy spirit would direct them to the right passages that you them to the right passages that you them to the right passages that you would provide understanding since you would provide understanding since you would provide understanding since you are ultimately our teacher. Thank you are ultimately our teacher. Thank you are ultimately our teacher. Thank you for this time that we've been able to for this time that we've been able to for this time that we've been able to talk and think together about this talk and think together about this talk and think together about this wonderful book of books that you gave to wonderful book of books that you gave to wonderful book of books that you gave to and through the prophet Jeremiah. And we and through the prophet Jeremiah. And we and through the prophet Jeremiah. And we pray together in the name of Christ our pray together in the name of Christ our pray together in the name of Christ our Lord. Amen.