[reaction to OYB’s Oct. 9-11 readings]
First, Jeremiah is a little confusing on the question of hope. For example, in some parts God actually tells Jeremiah not even to try praying for these miserable Israelites. Even if Samuel and Moses were there it would not be enough. Jer. 15. Then in other places Jeremiah compares the looming doom to putting metal in a forge or labor pains.
The same-but-different comes from comparing 1 Corinthians 7 to Jeremiah 16. In both passages, the author is warning people that this is not the time to change things. In both cases it is based on the coming of a new world order. Of course, the major difference is that Paul is anticipating the new world, while Jeremiah dreads it.
Oh, and Jeremiah 9:20 says, “Now, O women, hear the word of the LORD; open your ears to the words of his mouth. Teach your daughters how to wail; teach one another a lament.” Question: Is Teach Your Daughters How To Wail a Toni Morrison book? If not, don’t you think it should be?