Song # 972.2 from Our Gospel In Song Collection by Col Johnston. The prophet Jeremiah lived towards the end of the seventh century BC, and during the first part of the sixth century BC. During his long ministry he warned God’s people of the catastrophe that was to fall upon the nation because of their idolatry and sin. The mention of “shepherds and leaders of the flock” in verses 34 and 35 relates to the church leaders and authorities failing to uphold the spiritual welfare of God’s people. As a result, the Lord told His prophet Jeremiah to warn the people:
Now prophesy these words and say “The Lord will roar from on high, He will thunder from His holy dwelling and roar mightily against this land. He will shout like those who tread the grapes, shout against all who live on the earth” (Jeremiah 25:30). The tumult will resound to the ends of the earth, for the Lord will bring charges against the nations, He will bring judgement on all mankind and put the wicked to the sword” declares the Lord Almighty (Jeremiah 25:31). This is what the Lord Almighty says “Look! Disaster is spreading from nation to nation, a mighty storm is rising from the ends of the earth” (Jeremiah 25:32). “At that time those slain by the Lord will be everywhere, from one end of the earth to the other. They will not be mourned or gathered up or buried, but will be like refuse lying on the ground” (Jeremiah 25:33). “Weep and wail, you shepherds, roll in the dust, you leaders of the flock. For your time to be slaughtered has come, you will fall and be shattered like fine pottery” (Jeremiah 25:34). “The shepherds will have nowhere to flee, the leaders of the flock no place to escape” (Jeremiah 25:35). “Hear the cry of the shepherds, the wailing of the leaders of the flock, for the Lord is destroying their pasture” (Jeremiah 25:36). “The peaceful meadows will be laid waste because of the fierce anger of the Lord” (Jeremiah 25:37). “Like a lion He will leave His lair, and their land will become desolate because of the sword of the oppressor and because of the Lord’s fierce anger” (Jeremiah 25:38).
Thought for today: if God seems distant, guess who moved.
Thought for the future: if you don’t repent today, tomorrow may be too late. Where will you spend your eternity?