Jeremiah was one of the Old Testament prophets who suffered because of his loyalty to his calling. Although he was a sensitive man who didn't like criticizing people and uttering threats, he did not shirk his duty. He believed he had been sent to give a message from God to His people. He told the people of Israel again and again of God's love for them and he reminded them of their covenant with Him. As a result he was often in danger. Surprisingly, however, he did receive support from some political and religious leaders who saw the wisdom and truth of what he was saying. All in all, however, he suffered isolation and rejection and he found it hard to bear.

While Jeremiah was regarded with mixed feelings by different people, we know that John the Baptist was regarded at one and the same time with mixed feelings by one person. That person was Herod. All the gospel writers show that Herod had a sneaking regard for John the Baptist. Yet, whatever the reason for this regard, it wasn't enough to induce Herod to do the right thing by John. He either didn't have the moral courage to go back on a reckless promise or, perhaps, he feared that John's obvious uprightness might be a challenge to his own position. "Regretfully" he ordered his execution. To some small degree we all at some stage in our lives may have to be a Jeremiah or a John.