Some prophets declared fires and brimstones on hearers, others were different. Jeremiah was a weeping and lamenting prophet. He wept because of the sins of Judah, their rebellion, and God’s intended punishment of exile for seventy years in Babylon. When Jerusalem was destroyed, he lamented for the city as we see in the Book of Lamentations. “Jeremiah spoke to all the officials and all the people, saying, “The Lord sent me to prophesy against this house and this city all the words you have heard. Now therefore mend your ways and your deeds, and obey the voice of the Lord your God, and the Lord will relent of the disaster that he has pronounced against you. But as for me, behold, I am in your hands. Do with me as seems good and right to you. Only know for certain that if you put me to death, you will bring innocent blood upon yourselves and upon this city and its inhabitants, for in truth the Lord sent me to you to speak all these words in your ears.” (Jeremiah 26:12-15 ESV)
Representing God: Jeremiah faithfully represented God. He did not change the message according to the audience. He was eager to please God rather than the officials.
Call for repentance: A true prophet calls people to repent and be reconciled with God. Jeremiah asked to obey the voice of God which would be evidenced by a change in their lifestyle and behavior. Jeremiah wanted people to return to God and avert disaster.
Humility: Jeremiah said that the officials had the power to harm and even kill him. However, he wanted to make a good choice. The officials had to realize that they had no power unless God granted them authority.
Warning: Nevertheless, Jeremiah declared that God would avenge his death. He will not fight or flee but commit himself to God.
Unafraid of death: Jeremiah was not afraid of death, because of his conviction that the Lord had sent him, and he was speaking the truth.
Do we discern and listen to humble prophets?