Jeremiah 15:15-21 (NRSV)
Read Jeremiah 15:15-21 on biblegateway.com
Verse 15O Lord, you know; remember me and visit me, and bring down retribution for me on my persecutors. In your forbearance do not take me away; know that on your account I suffer insult. Verse 16Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart; for I am called by your name, O Lord, God of hosts. Verse 17I did not sit in the company of merrymakers, nor did I rejoice; under the weight of your hand I sat alone, for you had filled me with indignation. Verse 18Why is my pain unceasing, my wound incurable, refusing to be healed? Truly, you are to me like a deceitful brook, like waters that fail. Verse 19Therefore thus says the Lord: If you turn back, I will take you back, and you shall stand before me. If you utter what is precious, and not what is worthless, you shall serve as my mouth. It is they who will turn to you, not you who will turn to them. Verse 20And I will make you to this people a fortified wall of bronze; they will fight against you, but they shall not prevail over you, for I am with you to save you and deliver you, says the Lord. Verse 21I will deliver you out of the hand of the wicked, and redeem you from the grasp of the ruthless.
Devotion
Smite my adversaries! I’m the only one worthy of God’s respect! Tend to my wounds, Lord, and use your justice to destroy everyone else – but please overlook my failings.
Good folks don’t do that, you say? Yes, we do. From Elijah to Moses to Paul to us, truth be told, we do it all too easily.
Sometimes the faith of even a prophet is overwhelmed by betrayal, displaced by a hunger for revenge. It’s no surprise that Jeremiah’s people were unfaithful. What is surprising is that, in his anger, Jeremiah joins them in their unfaithfulness, expecting God to overlook his sins while condemning others.
Another surprise is God’s grace-filled response: "If you turn back, I will take you back … for I am with you to save you and deliver you.”
Prayer
Lord God, forgive my arrogant heart that would elevate my faithfulness above all others'. Grant me humility to know my constant need of you and your transforming love, so that I may continue in service to you and to others to live out the gospel. Amen.