Jeremiah has had a bad rap. The prophet and the book.

He's generally seen as a miseryguts, and the book is dismissed as all doom and gloom. But Jeremiah is a book for those who have taken a wrong turning. Or those who don't want to take a wrong turning.

It warns us about the consequences of leaving the Lord, but at the same time gives us abundant reasons for sticking with Him.

And if we do, Jeremiah assures us, the plans God has for us include a new covenant, and a new David, whose sufferings will far surpass Jeremiah's.

Seeing our unrighteousness will be painful, but necessary. Being pointed to 'the Lord our righteousness' will confirm that sinners like us can have 'a future and a hope'.