Studying the history of Jeremiah in art today: the original post modern prophet!

Jeremiah was the first post modern prophet. Here’s a guy who is ironically involved in his own story. Self commenting constantly, has his text burnt shredded, many times, has someone else publish it, is the most autobiographical prophet, but also the most selfless in some ways.

And actually, we get to overhear him quitting his job with God. He’s the prophet for our generation—with so many rising and falling empires, someone staying true to an older Voice and Heart, but with his heart on his sleeve! And, as all prophets has a personal spirituality of friendship with God. Also, like Ezekiel one asked to do both performance art, and symbolic gestures to get across what God was trying to communicate.

I’m studying the history of images in art of Jeremiah today. Once again a man with a very cool grey beard of priestly dimensions, hiding out in caves. He was of course a minister’s son (which was probably his first challenge, as it has been mine), and bought land in his hometown, at a foolish, but symbolic, time to invest in the home team. Certain prophets have authentic style.

This guy’s autobiography was part of the message (i like it with people like Johnny Cash, when their personal story is part of the gospel God is telling), like David and later St Paul, God used their personal stories to tell a bigger story!

Digging Jeremiah today—the post modern prophet of his times! Lived outloud, lived big, lived through at least two generations of God’s purposes. Cool prophet. Good art study today! And inspiring me to grow a long grey beard! Here’s a man not afraid to grow old even if he dies in a foreign land. Also someone who talks to animals and mountains. I like his way. A bit crazy in a good way. I like this guy!