The prophet Jeremiah was born in 650 BC and died in 587 BC. He prophesied to the Israelites, warning them about the Babylonian captivity that was to come. Since the authorities did not repent, the prophecy was fulfilled. Even today, the Lord warns His people that it is not good to distance themselves from Him. Unfortunately, however, there are people who call themselves Christians and live like the wicked, and therefore will not be admitted into the Kingdom of God (Ephesians 5:3-21).

Ramah was a city of the tribe of Benjamin, Rachel's second son with Jacob. She did not survive childbirth. As the baby was born, she died; therefore, she named him Benoni, son of my sorrow or pain. Jacob, however, changed his name to Benjamin, son of happiness (Genesis 35:16-19). Jeremiah's prophecy—that Rachel would weep for her children without consolation—was linked to Herod's decree ordering the killing of thousands of babies in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:13-18).

We can also associate the prophet's statement with the death of the Hebrew babies ordered by Pharaoh, who was afraid that the Israelites would outnumber the Egyptians and rule Egypt in the future (Exodus 1:8-20). Many kings, in different eras, felt the same way about Jacob's descendants. Today, the Church of Christ is being persecuted because some believe that our intention is to take control of the nation. Pure ignorance!

In His teachings, Jesus explained that His Kingdom is not of this world (John 18:36). Therefore, the kingdoms of this world can rest assured, for even though there may be some “adventurers” enchanted by the transitory glory of nations, we seek a new homeland that is not of this world (Hebrews 11:16; 13:14), the heavenly Jerusalem (Philippians 3:20). Someone should warn the kings of the Earth that we have no intention of taking what is theirs (John 8:36).

Rachel's voice was prophetic, for her descendants would suffer horrors because they did not understand the time of God's visitation: “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!  (Matthew 23:37). How much blood has been wasted in vain! We are persecuted for doing good.

Almost four thousand years ago, Rachel wept as she gave birth, sensing what would happen to her seed. She lamented what would become of those who would be born of her and her sister, plus the concubines. The tears of Jacob's favorite, for whom he worked for 14 years to have as his wife after being deceived by his father-in-law (Genesis 29:16-28), were bitter and full of pain.

One day, in the glory that awaits us in Heaven, we will see her comforted for having been used as an ancestor of God's people. The wife of the patriarch Jacob will be rewarded. She is proof that it is worthwhile to be part of the divine family. We are also part of it!

         In Christ, with love,

         R. R. Soares