Excerpts of Jeremiah chapters 4, 8, & 9 These chapters of Jeremiah’s laments preface the days leading up to the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple. When Josiah was king of Israel, launching religious reforms, Jeremiah was a young prophet. But when Josiah is killed in battle, Jerusalem starts its free-fall with a quick succession […]
Last week I talked about the rise and fall of empire, and the role of the prophet in the midst of corruption and injustice. For Jeremiah, his prophetic stance places him at odds against the religious leaders of his time, to the point where his life is at risk. His home country of Judah was […]
Prophecies & Pottery: Journeys with Jeremiah Worship Series – Jeremiah 2 This passage reminds the Southern tribe of Judah and us of the Sacred covenant between God and the people. “I will be your God; You will be my people”, with the reminder “You shall have no other gods before me.” These verses sound like […]
Jeremiah 1:4-10 Now the word of the LORD came to me saying, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” Then I said, “Ah, Lord GOD! Truly I do not know how to speak, for I am […]
Labor Day weekend provides a good opportunity to reflect on work. The etymology of the word work comes from the word worship. Worship is literally the WORK of the people and today it will be especially so. About 7 years ago when I was the pastor at SPCUMC, I received the offering plates, and noticed […]