Jeremiah 11:16-17 - Homiletics

The olive struck by lightning.

Under the image of an olive tree consumed by lightning fires the prophet portrays the devastation which will come upon Israel in spite of former prosperity. This is a type of the similar doom which may overtake the happy and prosperous.

I. THE HAPPY PROSPERITY .

1. The olive tree was green—perennially green. Prosperity may be constant and unbroken before the descent of judgment.

2. It was fair . Prosperity may come with much honor and gladness.

3. It was fruitful . The life may abound in good to others.

4. It was planted by God . ( Jeremiah 11:17 .) All good comes from him, and it is a great good to be established in our way of life by God's will and help. Yet none of these good things sufficed to avert a terrible doom. Present prosperity is no security against future adversity. The goodness of the past will be no safeguard against the punishment of sins of later years. The long-tried, honored, useful man who falls into sin at the end of his life must not delude himself into supposing that his earlier career will shield him from all troublesome consequences.

II. THE FEARFUL DEVASTATION . The green and fair and fruitful tree was struck in the thunderstorm, and its branches consumed with fire.

1. The devastation was from above—by fire from heaven. God who planted also destroyed. Punishment is sent by God.

2. It was sudden . The lightning flash is instantaneous. The terrible ruin of sin may fall in a moment.

3. It was irresistible . The tree is passive and helpless in the storm. Its very magnitude only invites the blow which will destroy it.

4. It was destructive . Fire consumed the branches. The fires of judgment are consuming fires—they burn to destroy ( Matthew 3:12 ).