Text: Jeremiah 19: 1-15
God through Prophet Jeremiah continues to warn people of impending catastrophe because of their rebellion. Jeremiah called and gathered both elders and chiefs from the church and state to witness the symbolism of the coming danger (v.1). He took these leaders to a place called Ben Hinnom or Tophet. This is a place where children were burnt alive as people sacrificed to a god called Molech. Toph is a Hebrew word, meaning “drum”. Drums would be sounded to draw or to out compete the cries of the dying children in fire. This place was also the dumping ground for the City of Jerusalem (v.6).
God chose this place, Ben Hinnom, to deliver His message for two main reasons: (i) The site or place would remind the leaders of the people of the most heinous evil they were performing in this place, the sacrifice of their children to Molech; (ii) To show the elders that this magnificent City will turn into a rubbish heap like what they were seeing in this place. After delivering the prophecy (vv.3-9, 12-13), Jeremiah broke the earthen flask to confirm the prophecy (vv.10-11). You may feel broken or shattered like the earthen pot but Jesus Christ is calling you and He will put you together again.
He calls us who are weary and burdened to give us rest (Mat. 11:28-30).
Meditate on verse 15. What are you going to do in order for such not to happen to you and your family?
Faithful and ever forgiving Father, forgive us the evil we have committed as a community. We pray for restoration and healing of this nation. In the name of our Saviour and Lord, Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.