The book of Jeremiah concludes with God's people being exiled to Babylon under Nebuchadnezzar. The temple is destroyed and the city of Jerusalem is in ruins. Yet, hope glimmers when Jehoiachin, the last survivor of the Davidic line is released from prison.

In order to best understand how a disciple of Jesus is to view politics, we must start at the beginning (Genesis 1:26-28).

Jeremiah's prophecies continue as God speaks words unto the nations of the world. God rebukes the nations for their false security in the world and its systems. In response, God Himself will show his supremacy over them, yet still He provides the hope of redemption.

At the close of 2019, we look to the book of Jeremiah, not for 'the' vision, but 'a' vision for the coming year. In accordance to Jeremiah's prophecy, we're challenged to build all security upon our relationship with God rather than any other worldly glory (Jeremiah 9:23-24).

Though every Christmas since has been awaited and anticipated, the first Christmas was anything but expected. In Jesus, God gave the world a Gift no one knew we needed.

Now that Jerusalem has fallen, many are tempted to abandon the holy land and flee to Egypt. Despite Jeremiah's warnings to not go there, he himself is carried away to Egypt. Next, Jeremiah continues to prophesy against God's people's idolatry.

In regard to the end times, Jesus creates a tension between certain signs of the end and the uncertain arrival of those signs. Within that tension, how shall we live knowing what we know and not knowing what we don't? Jesus gives one charge --to stay awake (Mark 13:28-37).

Jeremiah warns king Zedekiah of the coming judgment and is soon imprisoned for his troubles. Cast to the bottom of a cistern, Jeremiah sank down waiting to die before he's rescued only to warn Zedekiah once more. Prophecy turns to reality when Jerusalem is destroyed, but Jeremiah stays in the city to continue his ministry.

The end times promise hardship, persecution, and pain. Jesus advises His disciples that when comes the Abomination of Desolation comes, it's go time and although all preceding trials of the Tribulation may be just signs toward the end, this Sign will be time to act and the time to run (Mark 13:14-27).

God tells Jeremiah to buy a field in Israel even though the city is under siege. This is God's way of promising a future restoration of the nation. Yet God further promises judgment upon king Zedekiah, that he will die in Babylon. In utter rejection of Jeremiah's words, King Jehoiakim orders the burning of Jeremiah's scroll, but Jeremiah has another drafted.