Jeremiah 11:18-20 (NRSV)
Read Jeremiah 11:18-20 on biblegateway.com
Verse 18It was the Lord who made it known to me, and I knew; then you showed me their evil deeds. Verse 19But I was like a gentle lamb led to the slaughter. And I did not know it was against me that they devised schemes, saying, "Let us destroy the tree with its fruit, let us cut him off from the land of the living, so that his name will no longer be remembered!" Verse 20But you, O Lord of hosts, who judge righteously, who try the heart and the mind, let me see your retribution upon them, for to you I have committed my cause.
Devotion
Listen before you sing was a mantra drummed into me by a former choir director. Without listening to the pitch and where everyone else is before singing, a fine cantata can become a cacophony. We are often reminded about the need to not only listen, but to think—and do so carefully—before speaking, for what we say can have dire consequences. (This was the crux of the lesson last week from James.) The prophet Jeremiah became known for his often harsh words, and occasionally bizarre actions, in an attempt to get the people to change their ways, repent and return to God. Jeremiah was in a situation that needed a prophetic word. Yet Jeremiah’s words got him into trouble. Sometimes we also may be in a situation that needs a prophetic voice. Jeremiah reminds us, especially when speaking prophetically, that our words can also get us into trouble. Listen carefully before speaking even when the prophetic word must be said, to avoid a disastrous cacophony.
Prayer
Ever present God, we often feel as though our enemies surround us on all sides, devising schemes against us, leading us to slaughter, wanting to cut off all remembrance of us. Yet, in the midst of our trials and tribulations we know that you are present, that you are righteous and that you are faithful to your covenant with us, upholding us always. Amen.