His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains that the prophet Jeremiah was chosen by God from his mother’s womb, even before conception. The Lord said: “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you; before you came forth from the womb, I sanctified you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” This shows that God chooses His servants according to His foreknowledge and wisdom.

Jeremiah’s humility and sense of weakness

When God called him, Jeremiah felt unworthy, saying, “Ah, Lord, I am a child.” But God encouraged him: “Do not say I am a child, for to all to whom I send you, you shall go… do not fear their faces, for I am with you.” God strengthens the humble who accept His calling in faith.

The difficulty of the ministry and the corrupt generation

Pope Shenouda explains that Jeremiah’s mission was extremely hard. He was sent to a generation full of corruption — priests, kings, false prophets, and people who worshiped idols and forsook the Lord. His message was not peace but warning: of judgment and exile.

Suffering and persecution for truth

Jeremiah endured rejection, imprisonment, beating, and mockery. Yet he did not stop speaking God’s word: “His word was in my heart like a burning fire shut up in my bones; I could not hold it in.” He is the weeping prophet who suffered deeply out of love for his people’s salvation.

The spiritual meaning of rebuke

Reproof is not cruelty but divine mercy leading to repentance. God taught Jeremiah through the potter’s example — that He can reshape a spoiled vessel into a new one. God calls for repentance before destruction, desiring to rebuild the fallen soul.

Hope in the midst of wrath

Even amid judgment, Jeremiah’s message included hope: “Turn me, and I shall be turned,” and “I will put My law within them and write it on their hearts.” God’s purpose is restoration, not ruin — He forgives and forgets the sins of the repentant.

Lessons for believers and servants

Jeremiah is a model of the faithful servant who speaks truth fearlessly. Pope Shenouda urges pastors and parents not to indulge their children or congregations at the expense of righteousness — for the Kingdom of Heaven needs spiritual strength and steadfastness.

Conclusion and faith essence

Jeremiah teaches endurance in proclaiming truth and obedience to God’s will even in pain. God’s servants are strengthened by His presence to shine in a dark generation, testifying to truth with faithfulness, not seeking worldly success but divine approval.

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