As a prophet of God, Jeremiah was not allowed to do much socializing. People must have thought he was a bit strange. Following God’s orders, he defied the social conventions of his day. Jeremiah was not allowed to go to weddings, funerals, or dinner parties. He was forbidden to marry, mourn, or mingle. Bachelors were scarce in Jeremiah’s culture. There was no singles ministry at his synagogue because everyone got married. But if anyone asked him that unwelcome question, “How come you’re not married yet?” his answer would have gotten their attention. Jeremiah’s singleness was symbolic of the coming judgment. Why start a family if it will end in their humiliating deaths? (v 1-4). Everyone went to funerals in those days too. The whole village gathered in the home of the deceased, mourning and offering support to the family. But no one even got a sympathy card from Jeremiah. His lack of pity showed that God had withdrawn His compassion from Judah. And his refusal to attend funerals showed that decent burials would soon be an impossibility (v 5-7). Jeremiah couldn’t even go to Christmas parties or family celebrations. People could not have the favor of his presence because Israel did not have the favor of God’s presence. Judgment was near; this was no time for feasting (v 8-9). Jeremiah’s behavioral sermons may have seemed a little extreme. All the warnings of wrath may have seemed a little harsh. The people didn’t seem to even be aware of their guilt. “What did we do? Why is God so upset?” The answer is that they had committed the worst of all sins: they did not worship God alone. Since idolatry was so deeply engrained in them, God was sending them to Babylon, where they could have their fill of idol worship (v 10-13). Then suddenly there is a double announcement of grace! First, God promises a salvation from the nations. Like skilled outdoorsmen, Babylon will reel them in and hunt them down, but God’s later deliverance of His people will be so amazing that they will praise God for a new and greater exodus (v 14-18). Second, God promises a salvation of the nations. One day pagan peoples will testify that they too have put away their false gods and learned to obey the first commandment. Only God Himself could accomplish this wonder (v 19-21). Since these promises have now come true, this gospel age is a time to share in the sorrows and blessings of others, following the example of the Lord Jesus. While we live soberly, knowing the end is near, we celebrate the joy of new life in Christ, anticipating the day when we will partake of His great wedding feast. For further meditation: