After a prolonged spate of bad news about the national and global economic situation, we welcome good news about the economy, even if it’s only a little bit of good news. Likewise, after a long illness, we enjoy hearing our physician tell us that things are going to look up for us soon. And who wouldn’t be glad to hear about their child or grandchild striking a winning rhythm at work after an extended season of losses characterized by his or her performance?

Jeremiah welcomed the good news about God’s plan for his people. A prophet who grieved for Israel for four decades, Jeremiah had been unsuccessful in his attempt to persuade the leaders to return to the Lord. For his work at preaching faithfully and hopefully about the need for spiritual renewal, he received little more than rejection…