Are you one of those reluctant to read the Old Testament prophet books like Jeremiah and Ezekiel, and those pesky little guys like Obadiah and Nahum?

Many are, which is why I wrote a Bible Study course called Finding the Heart of God in Every Book of the Bible. I wanted to entice readers to search for the treasure in every book. And what is that treasure? It is understanding God’s heart.

Jeremiah had the unfortunate job of warning Judah about the impending overthrow of Jerusalem and the exile that was coming because of Israel’s sins against their covenant with God. Most pigeonhole Jeremiah in the “book of judgment” category, but that is a mistake. That opinion is what you get if you only know Jeremiah’s message by sermon reference, drive-by reading, or second hand opinion.

When you read the fine print of Jeremiah, here is the treasure you learn about God’s heart:

• That God suffered hundreds of years before he finally said “Enough!” He was not quick to become angry and judge.
• Even after deciding it was time to judge His people, God warned people WAY ahead of it coming. In addition, His warnings were laced with pleading that if they would change even now, He would relent and not bring the judgment their behavior called for.
• That even when the Lord confirmed His people would have to be forcibly removed from the Promised Land and taken captive into exile, He said, in essence, But leave marks on the road so you can find your way home again, for I WILL BRING YOU BACK. He was planning their restoration even in the midst of having to punish them! Like the Dad who reaches out to hug his child after a disciplinary spanking, God is always expressing Himself to His people as a loving father, not a cold hearted judge.
• Even when God must punish his people for violating their Promised Land covenant, he does not abandon them. Repeatedly he says, I will be with you… I will go with you… I will watch over you and even bless you in the land of exile if you trust in me and not other gods. Even while God exercises judgment, He doesn’t abandon the relationship! They lost their promised land, their blessed place, but not their connection to God.
• Even in pronouncing His judgments against ungodly nation — where many of his exiles ended up — God promises that in the midst of punishing the ungodly government and/or nation, He will keep His people safe:

Do not be afraid, Jacob my servant; do not be dismayed, Israel.
I will surely save you out of a distant place, your descendants from the land of their exile.
Jacob will again have peace and security, and no one will make him afraid.
Do not be afraid, Jacob my servant, for I am with you,” declares the LORD.
Though I completely destroy all the nations among which I scatter you, I will not completely destroy you.
I will discipline you but only in due measure; U will not let you go entirely unpunished.

Jeremiah 46:27-28 (NIV)

Dear people of God, Read the Word! Know your God!

Tonia