Everyone knows the catchy tune, “Jeremiah was a Bullfrog.” You can probably belt out the first verse and chorus without a second thought. It’s an iconic song, perfect for any gathering and undeniably fun. Three Dog Night launched this beloved track with these memorable lines:
“Jeremiah was a bullfrog / Was a good friend of mine / I never understood a single word he said / But I helped him drink his wine / And he always had some mighty fine wine.”
And then the chorus bursts in:
“Joy to the world, all the boys and girls / Joy to the fishes in the deep blue sea / Joy to you and me.”
It’s a feel-good anthem, radiating joy and carefree vibes. The infectious rhythm and simple lyrics make it instantly appealing and foot-tappingly irresistible.
But have you ever stopped to ponder those opening words, “Jeremiah was a bullfrog?” It’s a quirky phrase that sparks curiosity. While the definitive origin of the “bullfrog” imagery remains somewhat of a mystery, a fascinating theory connects this popular song to a much older figure: the biblical prophet Jeremiah.
Legend has it that the initial lyrics weren’t about a bullfrog at all. Instead, the song may have begun with, “Jeremiah was a prophet / Was a good friend of mine.” This alternative opening offers a compelling new lens through which to understand the song’s deeper layers.
If we consider Jeremiah as a prophet, the first verse takes on a richer meaning. The biblical prophet Jeremiah was known for his complex and often misunderstood pronouncements. His messages were frequently cryptic and challenging to grasp. Furthermore, wine held symbolic weight in Jeremiah’s prophecies, often used in rituals and metaphors. It’s conceivable that the “wine” mentioned in the song alludes to this prophetic context, perhaps representing spiritual nourishment or divine communication, even if metaphorically “mighty fine.”
This interpretation of Jeremiah as a prophet adds depth to the opening verse. And when the chorus explodes with “Joy to the world, all the boys and girls…”, it resonates powerfully with themes found in scripture, particularly in Jeremiah 31:10-14. This passage, echoing the song’s joyful sentiment, speaks of divine abundance and celebration.
Let’s delve into Jeremiah 31:10-14:
This scripture passage is undeniably a call to celebration! “They shall be radiant over the goodness of the LORD, over the grain, the wine, the oil, and over the young of the flock of the herd.” This verse paints a picture of God’s abundant provision, a feast overflowing with bread, wine, olive oil, and lamb.
God, through Jeremiah, is extending an invitation: it’s time to rejoice, to release worries, to feast, and to partake in the joy He provides. The scripture begins with a powerful declaration, “Hear the word of the LORD, O nations!” This isn’t a localized invitation; it’s a universal call to partake in divine joy and celebration.
This invitation extends to us today. Like the song suggests befriending Jeremiah, this scripture encourages us to embrace the joy offered through faith. Many find joy in gatherings and celebrations, often accompanied by wine or other festive drinks. However, for some, particularly within Christian contexts, questions arise about the appropriateness of alcohol and revelry.
Is enjoying wine, like the song’s Jeremiah, a sin? Is participating in the “party” described in Jeremiah 31 inherently sinful? These are valid questions, especially when considering the broader context of Jeremiah’s prophecies, which often address themes of sin and judgment.
Jeremiah’s book is largely known for its pronouncements of doom and gloom, warnings against societal corruption, and calls for repentance. This particular scripture, however, is part of what’s known as the “book of consolation” within Jeremiah, a section offering comfort and hope amidst the prophecies of judgment. This contrast is significant. While much of Jeremiah’s message is stern, passages like Jeremiah 31:10-14 reveal a different facet of God’s character – one of forgiveness and celebratory restoration.
The prevalent message throughout much of Jeremiah can be summarized as: “You are a sinful people, and you will face consequences.” Perhaps this somber tone is reflected in the song lyric, “I never understood a single word he said.” Facing uncomfortable truths about sin and its repercussions is rarely easy.
Jeremiah’s prophecies detailed the consequences of societal sins: neglecting the vulnerable, mistreating foreigners, and prioritizing self-interest over justice. These weren’t just individual failings; they were systemic issues corrupting the entire society.
This societal corruption led to hardship, culminating in the Babylonian exile. The people faced suffering, displacement, and loss – a stark consequence of their collective sins. This exile mirrors the prodigal son’s journey – from abundance and indulgence to hardship and repentance. In their despair, the people cried out to God for deliverance, acknowledging their wrongdoing and promising to change.
This cycle of sin, conviction, guilt, and repentance is a deeply human experience, one familiar to many. We sin, perhaps momentarily enjoying it. Then, conviction sets in, leading to guilt, self-pity, and ultimately, a plea for forgiveness. We grapple with the weight of our actions, often dwelling on the specifics of our transgressions:
- Lies exposed, leading to shame.
- Betrayal of loved ones, causing relational pain.
- Harsh words and actions towards those closest to us.
- Ego-driven decisions leaving a trail of damage.
- Greed and dishonesty leading to exposure and consequences.
Beyond personal sins, we also witness societal sins – systemic injustices and inequalities that contribute to collective guilt. This awareness of sin, both personal and societal, can be overwhelming.
Many Christians today live with a heightened awareness of sin. Church signs and messages often focus on sin and repentance. Christianity can sometimes be perceived as overly preoccupied with condemnation and judgment. Even within faith communities, there can be debates about whether sin is addressed sufficiently, with some advocating for more frequent reminders of human fallibility and the need for constant repentance.
But what is the ultimate outcome of this constant focus on sin? Is it merely to dwell in guilt and fear of punishment, echoing Jeremiah’s warnings of suffering and death?
The message of Jeremiah 31, and indeed the overarching message of the Gospel, points to a different reality. Just verses after the pronouncements of judgment, Jeremiah relays God’s promise of a new covenant: “…I will make a new covenant…it will not be like the covenant that I made with their ancestors…but this will be the covenant that I will make…I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. No longer shall they teach one another or say to each other ‘Know the LORD,’ for they will shall all know me…I will forgive their iniquity and remember their sins no more.” (Jeremiah 31:31-34).
“I will forgive their iniquity and remember their sins no more.” This is the core of God’s promise – forgiveness and complete release from the burden of past sins. This promise, offered to Jeremiah’s people in exile, is fulfilled through Jesus Christ. Our sins are forgiven, not merely overlooked, but actively forgotten by God.
So, why do we, as humans, cling so tightly to the memory of our sins? Why do we allow guilt and self-condemnation to define us when divine forgiveness is offered so freely?
In communion, we affirm, “At Jesus’s suffering and death, you [God] took our sin and death and destroyed their power forever.” Sin’s power over us is broken. John’s Gospel declares, “if the Son has set you free, you are free indeed.” Why then do we remain bound by guilt and self-pity?
Why are we so fixated on our own shortcomings and the failings of others? There is no need for this self-imposed imprisonment. God offers forgiveness, liberation, and a fresh start.
To be clear, sin is real and impactful. It creates separation between us and God, and it harms ourselves and others. Sin manifests in various ways – dishonesty, exploitation, harmful words, and neglect of faith. Gluttony, for instance, is a sin because it harms our bodies. Sin is indeed a problem.
But what fundamentally is sin? It’s not merely a checklist of forbidden actions. Sin, at its core, is anything that damages our relationship with God, ourselves, or others. This definition, echoing Paul’s teachings in 1 Corinthians, moves beyond legalistic lists and focuses on the relational impact of our actions.
Returning to the initial questions: Is drinking alcohol a sin? Is partying a sin? Not inherently. These actions become sinful only when they cause harm – to our health, our relationships, or our connection with God. The question isn’t about the action itself, but about its impact.
When we do act in ways that cause harm, repentance is essential. Confession, both individual and collective, is a healthy practice. It draws us closer to God and bridges the gap created by sin. Confession is beneficial for the soul, facilitating spiritual growth and reconciliation.
But confession is not the final destination. Once we have acknowledged our sins, repented, and sought forgiveness, it’s time to embrace the joy of release. This is Jeremiah’s message in Jeremiah 31. After a period of hardship and repentance, God invites His people to feast, drink wine, and celebrate – not in denial of sin, but in joyful liberation from its grasp.
Three Dog Night, perhaps unintentionally, captured a profound truth. Befriending “Jeremiah,” whether understood as the prophet or the bullfrog, can guide us through acknowledging our shortcomings and seeking forgiveness. But the ultimate invitation is to move beyond self-pity and guilt, to join in the “mighty fine wine” and sing “joy to the world” in celebration of divine forgiveness.
The joy of release from sin, provided through Jesus, is not just about escaping guilt. It’s about recognizing that sin no longer defines our identity in God’s eyes. God sees us as reflections of His image, as beloved children, as brothers and sisters of Jesus. God looks at us and affirms, as in Psalm 139, that we are “fearfully and wonderfully made.” Through Christ, sin loses its power to define who we are in God’s sight.
Like Jesus told the woman at the well, “Go, and sin no more…I forgive your iniquity and remember your sins no more.”
This morning, consider: what sins are you still holding onto? What burdens your conscience? What memories trigger guilt and self-pity?
You are invited to a divine celebration! Release your guilt to God. Whatever sins you confess and repent of, God promises to forgive and forget. God desires to set you free. Embrace that freedom today.
You are invited to experience the divine joy of liberation from sin.
God remembers our sins no more. God welcomes us back with open arms, inviting us to celebrate and partake in the overflowing joy of forgiveness.
This is reason to sing with Three Dog Night, “joy to the world, all the boys and girls, joy to the fishes in the deep blue sea, joy to you and me.”
Joy because we are forgiven and set free.
In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; Amen.
