Saul Weinreb - Let the Prophets Speak

Jeremiah 1c - An Almond Branch and a Boiling Cauldron

God gives jeremiah his first vision, an almond branch and a burning cauldron. I am serious about this, and it is coming soon from the North.  A disaster is about to befall the people, and they are not going to like your message. Don't be afraid, I will be with you, God promises Jeremiah. However, your task will not be easy.

Jeremiah 1b - I Know You Well

Jeremiah's call to prophecy. I have known you since before you were born, says God to Jeremiah.  You have what it takes to be a prophet to the nations of the world.  So don't be afraid, remember that I will be with you, and speak My words to the people.

Jeremiah 1a and Introduction - Reslilience and Hope

We introduce the prophet Jeremiah, a prophet of resilience, hope, love for his people and devotion. Although he is known for his prophecies of destruction, he is most remarkable for his never ending devotion to his mission and God. He represents the moments of despair that we all feel when we see failure and suffering, but only those who follow in his path get up and keep on going.  Jeremiah logically follows Zephaniah who was both his contemporary, and also likely his mentor. 

Zephaniah 3b - A Modest and Humble Nation

God turns to Israel and promises that He will bring them back to Jerusalem, but He will rid the people of the arrogant and dishonest among them.  Israel will be a humble, modest and honest nation. A nation so beloved by the nations of the world, that all will look to Israel and declare their love for their God and accept Him as their God as well.  "Don't be afraid anymore," they will say, "God is with you."

Zephaniah 3a - All Together, Shoulder to Shoulder

God criticizes the leaders of Jerusalem for their corruption, and how they used the Torah as a way to oppress the poor. Then he turns towards the nations of the world, and laments, "if only you would have listened to my messages, I would've have loved to give you all the rewards I had saved up for you. But now I have to punish you", says God. However, one day all of the nations of the world, even the far flung countries, will all join together shoulder to shoulder and call in God's name.

Zephaniah 2 - Before it's Too Late!

Zephaniah warned us that the day of God's judgement is coming, so he now beseeches all the nations of the world, "Get Yourselves together before it's too late!"  God's judgement is coming, but there is still time to save yourselves.  Be humble, be just, stop scoffing at the humble nations around you. Then every country can worship God, even from faraway lands. 

Zephaniah 1b - You're Money Won't Save you

The prophet continues to describe the destruction coming from God due to the people's corruption.  God will search the streets to find everyone hiding, there will be no escape. No amount of gold and silver will save you from God's wrath.  

Zephaniah 1a - God Gathers us Close

When God gathers everyone close for judgement, it doesn't bode well for the transgressors.  He will zero in on you, there is no escape.  Ultimately, it is dishonesty and oppression of others that will get you into trouble.

Habakkuk 3b - Joy in Face of Fear

Habakkuk compares the awe and trembling of the righteous man to the awe of nature before God. The mountains, the rivers and the sea, the sun the moon and the sky, all tremble before God. But they are not the recipients of God's wrath. Only the evil nations and the tormentors of the poor are the recipients of God's anger. God comes to destroy evil and liberate the righteous.  God's weapons are perfect and exact.  So yes we may tremble as do the mountains, but we can still rejoice when we are afraid, because it is God who is coming to save us.

Habakkuk 3a - Injustice Anywhere is a Threat to Justice Everywhere

Habakkuk is terrified of God's answer to the prophet's demand for immediate justice, and begs Him to find mercy in His times of anger.  The prophet notes that true justice cannot come anywhere, until it comes everywhere. I credit the title of this podcast of course to Martin KLuther King.