Godchaser Podcast
Join Evan Evans on The God Chaser Podcast, a weekly exploration of faith, spirituality, and personal growth centered on Jesus Christ. Evan, a devoted believer and captivating host guides listeners through engaging conversations and thought-provoking discussions that deepen their understanding of Christ and His teachings.
We delve into topics such as Christ's teachings, the power of prayer, the role of the Holy Spirit, and the importance of community in spiritual growth. The God Chaser Podcast aims to inspire and challenge listeners, equipping them with the tools and insights needed to live a more fulfilling, Christ-centered life.
Whether you're a seasoned believer or just beginning your faith journey, The God Chaser Podcast with Evan Evans supports and nourishes your spiritual growth. Subscribe to Apple Podcasts and join us each week as we chase after the heart of Jesus, embracing the transformative power of His love and grace.
Godchaser Podcast
From Tears to Transcendence: Discovering Jesus in Jeremiah's Story and the Journey of Faith
What if the struggles and heartbreaks you face could be a reflection of a divine narrative of promise and hope? Join me, Evan Evans, on the God Chaser Podcast as we uncover the life of Jeremiah, the weeping prophet, whose personal trials provide profound insights into God's compassion. As we explore the depths of Jeremiah's heartache and dedication, we reveal a story that mirrors the divine heartbreak and hope found in Jesus Christ. Discover how our personal struggles and tears are significant to God, and learn how to maintain a tender heart while holding onto hope.
In our journey, we draw striking parallels between Jeremiah's world and the exile-like feelings many of us experience today. Through the lens of Jeremiah 29:12-14, we explore the unwavering promises of God and the transformative power of seeking Him wholeheartedly. Dive into the passionate pursuit of God—a fire in our bones—guiding us through life's challenges toward a reshaped, purposeful life. To wrap things up, we celebrate the vibrant intersection of faith and fashion with God Chaser Apparel, encouraging you to boldly wear your faith and chase after God with renewed passion. Let this episode ignite your spiritual journey with purpose and inspiration.
Keep chasing after God
Welcome to the God Chaser podcast, where we pursue the heart of God and explore the depths of His wisdom. I'm your host, evan Evans. Last week, we explored Isaiah's magnificent prophecies of Christ. Today, we're diving into the heart and message of Jeremiah, often called the weeping prophet. In a world that often tries to hide its pain and mask its tears, jeremiah shows us something profound about God's heart. Through his tears over Jerusalem, his struggles with rejection and his powerful prophecies of hope, jeremiah gives us one of scripture's most intimate pictures of both divine heartbreak and divine hope. In today's episode, we'll explore how Jeremiah's tears mirror Christ's heart for his people, why the new covenant he prophesied changes everything, what it means to truly know God personally, how divine heartbreak leads to divine hope, why our tears matter to God. Whether you're weeping over loved ones like Jeremiah wept over Jerusalem, feeling rejected for standing for truth or longing for deeper relationship with God, this prophet's message speaks directly to your heart. We'll discover how every tear, every struggle and every prophecy points us to Jesus Christ.
Speaker 2:Welcome to the God Chaser podcast, the ultimate destination for those yearning to cultivate a passionate, intimate relationship with God. Join your host, Evan Evans, as he explores the depths of scripture, shares inspiring testimonies and provides practical guidance to help you become a true God chaser, Discover the transformative power of pursuing God's presence and be inspired to reignite your spiritual journey. Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts and get ready to embark on an adventure that will change your life forever. Welcome to the God Chaser Podcast. Let the chase begin.
Speaker 1:Last week we explored Isaiah's magnificent prophecies of Christ. Today we're going to look at Jeremiah. Often called the weeping prophet, and family. His story speaks powerfully to anyone who's ever felt the cost of standing for truth. Let's start with Jeremiah, chapter 1, verses 4 to 5. Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you. Before you were born, I set you apart. I appointed you as a prophet to the nations you know. This reminds me of something I was thinking about this morning.
Speaker 1:How many of you ever feel inadequate for what God's called you to do? Look at Jeremiah's response in verse 6. Let's talk about this. Some of you are saying I'm not qualified, I'm too broken, I'm not ready, I'm too young or too old. But notice God's response in verses 7 to 8. Do not say I am too young. You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you, do not be afraid of them, for I am with you. This points directly to how Jesus would later tell his disciples in Matthew 28, verse 20, and surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.
Speaker 1:You know Jeremiah's ministry wasn't easy. Look at chapter 11, verse 21. The people of Anathoth have threatened to kill you. This was his hometown family. His own neighbors wanted him dead. Let's talk about this.
Speaker 1:Some of you know what it's like to be rejected by family for your faith, misunderstood by old friends, opposed by those closest to you, isolated because of your convictions. But watch Jeremiah's heart in chapter 8, verse 21. Since my people are crushed, I am crushed, I mourn and horror grips me. Let's pause here. This isn't just professional concern. This is personal pain. Jeremiah feels the heartbreak of God, just as Jesus would later weep over Jerusalem in Matthew, chapter 23, verse 37. Jerusalem, jerusalem, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings. Some of you are carrying this kind of burden for wayward children, for unbelieving family, for a struggling church, for a lost community.
Speaker 1:Let's talk about what it means to share God's heart for people. How do we balance truth and love, conviction and compassion, standing firm and reaching out, personal pain and public ministry? Look at Jeremiah, chapter 9, verses 1 to 2. Oh, that my head were a spring of water and my eyes a fountain of tears. I would weep day and night for the slain of my people. I would leave my people and go away from them. You know. This reminds me of a conversation I had with a pastor last week. He said sometimes loving people breaks your heart.
Speaker 1:Let's talk about this kind of deep spiritual anguish. Jeremiah wasn't just sad about sin. He was devastated by its consequences. He saw people he loved making destructive choices, a nation abandoning its spiritual heritage, religious leaders compromising truth, judgment coming and people ignoring warnings Sound familiar. Some of you are experiencing this right now watching loved ones walk away from faith, seeing your children make harmful decisions, witnessing your church drift from truth, carrying burdens others don't understand.
Speaker 1:But notice something profound Jeremiah's tears mirror God's heart. Look at chapter 14, verse 17, where God says Let my eyes overflow with tears night and day, without ceasing. This points directly to Jesus, who wept at Lazarus' tomb, cried over Jerusalem, sweat drops like blood in Gethsemane, bore our griefs and carried our sorrows. Let's discuss this honestly. How do we maintain this kind of tender heart without being crushed by sorrow, becoming bitter, losing hope, giving up? This brings us to what I believe is one of Scripture's most extraordinary passages Jeremiah, chapter 31, verses 31 to 34. The days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant Family.
Speaker 1:Let's pause here, in the midst of tears, in the depths of national tragedy. When everything seems to be falling apart, god reveals something revolutionary. Let's break this down. The new covenant would be not like the old covenant made at Sinai written on hearts, not stone. Think about what Jeremiah is seeing here. He's watching the old covenant literally being broken as the temple is about to be destroyed. The ark of the covenant will be lost, the priesthood is being corrupted, the sacrificial system is failing. But in this moment of apparent defeat, god reveals his greater plan. Some of you need to hear this today because you're watching Old systems crumbling, traditional structures failing, familiar patterns dissolving Comfortable ways ending. Look at verse 33. I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. Look at verse 34. No longer will they teach their neighbor or say to one another know the Lord, because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest.
Speaker 1:Let's talk about what it means to know God. In Hebrew, this word, yada, implies intimate, experiential knowledge, not just knowing about God, knowing religious facts, knowing biblical stories, knowing church traditions, but knowing God personally. Jesus would later say in John, chapter 17, verse 3, now, this is eternal life that they know, you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. Some of you are settling for second-hand knowledge, living off someone else's experience, depending on others' insights, relying on borrowed faith, missing personal encounter. Then look at this promise, for I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.
Speaker 1:Let's discuss this. How is this different from Old Testament sacrifices that needed repeating temple rituals that never ended, ceremonial cleansing that was temporary religious obligations that couldn't transform Hebrews? Chapter 10, verse 14, tells us how Jesus fulfilled this, For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy. Look at Jeremiah, chapter 32, verse 40. I will make an everlasting covenant with them. I will never stop doing good to them. I will put my fear in their hearts so that they will never turn away from me Family.
Speaker 1:Let's talk about what this means. Practically. Some of you are living in fear of losing your salvation, worried about making God angry, afraid of messing up your relationship with Him, struggling with constant guilt. But this covenant is different. It's based on God's faithfulness, not ours. His promise, not our performance. His love, not our loyalty. His power, not our perfection. Think about what Jesus said at the Last Supper in Luke, chapter 22, verse 20. This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you. Let's get real about what this means for our daily failures, our ongoing struggles, our persistent weaknesses, our repeated battles. You see, under the new covenant, god's love isn't earned, it's given. His presence isn't achieved, it's received. His power isn't worked for, it's welcomed. His purpose isn't performed, it's participated in. How does this change our prayer life, our worship, our service, our relationships?
Speaker 1:Let's look at Jeremiah, chapter 23, verses 5 to 6. The days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous branch, a king who will reign wisely. This is the name by which he will be called the Lord, our righteous Savior, family. This is huge. Jeremiah sees beyond the failing kings of his day to a perfect king from David's line, a ruler with true wisdom, one who brings righteousness, god himself as our salvation. Think about your struggles with personal righteousness, living up to standards, meeting expectations, feeling worthy. But notice the name the Lord, our righteous Savior. Not the Lord who demands righteousness, the Lord who expects perfection, the Lord who judges failure, the Lord who condemns weakness, but the Lord who is our righteousness. Paul would later write in 2 Corinthians 5, verse 21,. God made him, who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. This brings us to Jeremiah 29, verse 11, For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future.
Speaker 1:Now let's talk context. Jeremiah writes this to people in exile who have lost their homes, lost their temple, lost their nation, lost their hope. Sound familiar. Some of you feel like you're in exile right now. Your life hasn't turned out as planned, your dreams seem shattered, your future looks uncertain, your path feels lost. But notice what God promises Not just survival but purpose. Not just endurance but hope. Not just existence but future, not just getting by but prosperity. Jesus would later embody this promise. John, chapter 10, verse 10,. Let's discuss what this means when life seems to be falling apart. God's plan isn't clear, the future looks dark, hope feels distant. How do we hold on to hope when circumstances contradict promises? Timing doesn't make sense. Waiting gets hard, faith gets tested. Let's dig deeper into Jeremiah, chapter 29, verses 12 to 14.
Speaker 1:Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Family, this is more than just a promise of answered prayer. Let's break this down First, notice the sequence Call on me, initiative in prayer, come to me, movement toward God, pray to me. Sustained communication I will listen. Divine attention you will seek me. Intentional pursuit you will find me. Guaranteed result Think about how Jesus fulfilled this in His invitation. Come to me Matthew 11, 28. His promise seek and you will find. Matthew 7, 7. His presence I am with you always. Matthew 28, 20. His purpose that they may know you. John 17, 3.
Speaker 1:Let's talk honestly about seeking God. Some of you are praying without expecting answers, seeking without really believing. You'll find coming to God, but keeping a safe distance, calling but not really listening. But Jeremiah shows us that God initiates the relationship. I know the plans, guarantees the outcome you will find me. Provides the opportunity.
Speaker 1:Then requires wholehearted pursuit with all your heart. What does wholehearted seeking look like in your daily routine, your difficult decisions, your deepest struggles, your desperate moments? You know this wholehearted pursuit Jeremiah talks about reminds me of something deeper in chapter 20, verse 9. He says talks about, reminds me of something deeper in chapter 20, verse 9. He says. But if I say I will not mention his word or speak any more in his name, his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in. Indeed, I cannot.
Speaker 1:Let's talk about this kind of passion. Some of you know what it's like to have a fire in your bones you can't contain. Feel a calling you can't ignore. Carry a message you must speak, bear a burden you have to share. This points directly to how Jesus would say in John, chapter 4, verse 34, my food is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.
Speaker 1:But notice where this passion led Jeremiah straight to the potter's house in chapter 18. There God shows him something profound about how he works in our lives. Let's watch this unfold. So I went down to the potter's house and I saw him working at the wheel. But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands. So the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him. Think about this sequence Wholehearted pursuit leads to revelation. Revelation leads to understanding. Understanding leads to surrender. Surrender leads to reshaping Family.
Speaker 1:This process of being shaped at the potter's house comes right after Jeremiah's expression of that fire in his bones. Think about that connection. The same passionate pursuit that puts fire in our bones also places us in position to be reshaped. Look at what happens in Jeremiah, chapter 33, verses 14 to 16. The days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will fulfill the good promise I made. I will make a righteous branch sprout from David's line. Even while watching the potter reshape marred vessels, even while feeling that burning in his bones, jeremiah sees beyond the present process to a promise fulfilled, a king coming, a righteousness established, a hope secured.
Speaker 1:Some of you are at the potter's wheel right now, being shaped through trials, reformed through testing, molded through challenges, transformed through pressure. But just like that fire in Jeremiah's bones, there's purpose in this process. Jesus would later tell his disciples in John, chapter 15, verse 2, every branch that bears fruit, he prunes that it may bear more fruit. Let's be honest about what this means. Some of you are feeling the pressure of the potter's hands, experiencing the heat of the kiln, undergoing painful reshaping, walking through fiery trials. But remember what Jeremiah saw at the potter's house the potter never wastes clay. The marring isn't the end. The reshaping has purpose. The final product is. The potter never wastes clay. The marrying isn't the end. The reshaping has purpose. The final product is the potter's choice.
Speaker 1:You know, family, as we've walked through these promises together, I'm reminded of Jeremiah, chapter 33, verses 19 to 21. If you can break my covenant with the day and my covenant with the night, so that day and night no longer come at their appointed time, then my covenant with David can be broken. Let's sit with this for a moment. God is saying his promises are as certain as the sun rising each morning, the stars appearing each night, the seasons changing the world turning. Think about what this means. When your faith is wavering, your strength is failing, your hope is dimming, your future seems uncertain, just as Jesus would later say in Matthew, chapter 24, verse 35, heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never. Some of you need to hear this today because your circumstances are shouting impossible. Your feelings are whispering give up. Your mind is arguing it's too late. Your past is saying you failed too much.
Speaker 1:But Jeremiah saw a God who makes promises beyond circumstances, keeps covenants despite feelings, works. Purpose through pain brings beauty from ashes. You see, family, this reshaping at the potter's house connects directly to that new covenant Jeremiah prophesied about. Look at chapter 31, verse 33 again. I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. Isn't this exactly what the potter does? He doesn't just change the outside, he works the clay through and through. Think about how this pictures Christ's work in us. Not external rules, but internal transformation. Not surface changes but deep reshaping. Not behavioral modification but heart renovation. Not religious performance but relationship reality. Some of you right now are experiencing this deep work Areas of resistance being softened, hidden flaws being exposed, old patterns being broken, new purposes being formed.
Speaker 1:Look at what Jeremiah says in chapter 32, verse 27,. Right in the middle of this process. I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me. Remember he wrote this while Jerusalem was under siege and he was in prison. Everything looked hopeless, the situation seemed impossible. Yet God tells him to buy a field. A sign of hope, store the deed carefully, a promise of future trust in coming restoration, a guarantee of purpose. This brings us full circle to where we began a God who puts fire in our bones, shapes us at his wheel, writes his law on our hearts, fulfills every promise. Let's weave all these threads together From that first fire in Jeremiah's bones to the final promise of restoration. We're seeing a tapestry of Christ's work in our lives.
Speaker 1:Think about the journey we've traced through Jeremiah a burning message that couldn't be contained, a reshaping process at the potter's house, a new covenant written on hearts, a promise of complete restoration. This is exactly how Jesus works in us. He ignites us with his passion, reshapes us by his spirit, writes his truth in our hearts, restores us completely. Look at Jeremiah, chapter 33, verses 25 to 26. This is what the Lord says. If I have not made my covenant with day and night and established the laws of heaven and earth, then I will reject the descendants of Jacob and David. Just as surely as day follows night, seasons change, earth keeps turning, stars keep shining, so surely will God complete his work in you, fulfill his promises to you, restore what's broken, redeem what's lost.
Speaker 1:Remember what we've discovered through the fire. God's passion becomes our passion. His word burns in our bones. His purpose ignites our hearts. His calling consumes us at the potter's wheel. Every pressure has purpose. Every reshaping has reason. Every trial transforms. Every touch shapes in the new covenant His law written within his love, transforming deeply. Remember Jesus is the fulfillment of every word Jeremiah spoke, every tear he shed, every promise he saw, every hope he held.
Speaker 1:Next week, we'll explore Ezekiel's extraordinary visions of Christ. But today, take heart knowing that the same God who spoke through Jeremiah's tears now speaks through his son, offering hope, promising restoration and inviting us into that new covenant relationship. Written not on stone but on our hearts, this is Evan Evans, reminding you to keep chasing God's heart Until next time. Remember your reshaping is his promise, your restoration is his plan and your redemption is his purpose. This has been the God Chaser podcast. Join us next week as we continue finding Jesus in every story of the Bible. This episode of the God Chaser podcast is proudly sponsored by God Chaser Apparel, the clothing line designed to empower and inspire your spiritual journey.
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Speaker 1:May you not just chase God but find him in the blessings, big and small, that he has in store for you. And there we have it, folks. Another episode of God Chaser wrapped up. We hope you've been blessed by today's discussion and we look forward to diving into more life-transforming topics with you in the future. Stay blessed and keep chasing after God.