WE WILL WAIT UPON THEE

During the long forty-one years or so of Jeremiah’s prophetic ministry, Jerusalem experienced many severe trials. Included among them was a period of drought, which left the wells dry, the fields bare, and the people in desperate need, v. 1-6.

The circumstances of Israel’s history were never accidental. As God’s covenant people they held a relationship with Him involving both glad privilege and solemn responsibility. ‘If ye shall despise my statutes that ye break my covenant: I also will do this unto you I will make your heaven as iron, and your earth as brass: and your strength shall be spent in vain: for your land shall not yield her increase’, Lev. 26. 14-20; see also Deut. 11. 17; 28. 23, 24. Affliction was therefore the good hand of God remonstrating with His wayward people.

Jeremiah’s response to this external trial was prayer, 20-22. Identifying himself with the sinful nation, he confessed Israel’s disobedience and called upon God’s mercy.

Like Moses before him, he recalled God’s faithfulness and sovereign grace in His past dealings with His redeemed people. Was not Jerusalem ‘the throne of thy glory’? Though the nation had failed, God could never contradict Himself or deny His unconditional calling of Israel. Though the tenure of the land depended upon her obedience to God, her national preservation rested solely on Jehovah’s election, 33. 17-26.

All true prayer combines confession of personal guilt with confidence in God’s faithfulness. The first on its own could lead us to despair; the latter to presumption. But Jeremiah is, as always, both reverent and real in his dealings with God. No other help could avail: only the Lord could save His people.

When we are at our wits’ end because of adversity at home or apathy in the local assembly, let us learn from Jeremiah to wait upon the Lord, v. 22.

As he reminded God of His covenant, so we today can rest on even surer ground in our prayers, the once-for-all finished work of Calvary.