If I walk out into the field, 
look! those slain by the sword; 
If I enter the city, 
look! those consumed by hunger.
 Even the prophet and the priest 
forage in a land they know not. Have you cast Judah off completely? 
Is Zion loathsome to you?
 Why have you struck us a blow 
that cannot be healed? 
We wait for peace, to no avail;
 for a time of healing, but terror comes instead. (Jer 14:18-19)

The Prophet Jeremiah is one of the great figures of the Scriptures. The sufferings of the prophet give rise to powerful poetry. I remember a small booklet version of the prophet from youth ministry. It was called, “Are You Joking, Jeremiah?” Jeremiah was definitely not joking. He gave all for the honor and glory of God. As our reading today concludes:

Is it not you alone, O LORD, our God, to whom we look? You alone have done all these things. (Jer 14:22)