This week we have a long chunk of the book of Jeremiah.
The section begins with reminding the people that they should trust in God and that his ways are higher than their ways.
In Chapter 18 we have the image of God as the potter and Israel as the clay - this image has resonated with Christians through the centuries - the idea that we are in the hands of God can be both comforting and terrifying. As Jeremiah points out - the potter will destroy his work if it's not coming out right and start over.
As we move later in the book Jeremiah writes to the elders of Israel to tell them that they should put down roots in Babylon - that God tells them to settle in and bloom where they are planted. This is not what the people wanted to hear. They wanted to hear that God was going to overthrow the Babylonians and bring them back from exile.
Jeremiah offers comforting words - that God will bring the people back and that there will be rejoicing - but not yet and not soon. - Be patient and wait is the message and it isn't well received.
The king burns the scroll and imprisons Jeremiah.
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