Jeremiah 20

When Pashhur, the priest, heard Jeremiah prophesing in chapter 19, he had Jeremiah beaten and put in stocks at the Benjamin Gate by the house of the Lord. Jeremiah was, no doubt, in lots of pain, cold, tired and well, I can only imagine how I'd feel. Then the next day, when Jeremiah was released from the stocks, he started prophesying again. This time God had some words for Pashhur the priest. Jeremiah began telling him his future -- in boldness! Wow!

Now, in verse 7, Jeremiah is probably feeling really discouraged and overwhelmed by the call on his life. If I were him I would be. None of us want to be beaten, persecuted, or seen by others as an outcast, but popularity isn't our call, obediance is! I'm reminded of something God told me during our revival a few weeks ago. God told me not to worry about being popular or liked but being obediant. 

Obediance to God is of upmost importance. We'll not always be liked for the things we do and say. We'll not always come across as the most well liked person. We'll not always have the approval of those around us. In fact, when we're totally submitted and obediant to God, we'll call things out that people aren't always ready to get out of their lives. 

Jeremiah says in verse 7, "O Lord, you have deceived me and I was deceived; you have overcome me and prevailed. I have become a laughing stock all day long; everyone mocks me."

Through out Jeremiah's life, since chapter 1 of this book, God has told Jeremiah that He'd go before him, protect him and that though his people would plot against him they'd never overtake him. I'm guessing this is what Jeremiah is referring to when he suggests that God has let him down. However, God plainly tells Jeremiah that the people would dispise him, plot against him and that Jeremiah would be mocked and made fun of. Though beaten, mocked and put in stocks, Jeremiah did not die. He still has breath in his body. He's alive. The favor of God is still with him.

How many times have we too, felt like God let us down? How many times have we been obediant to God, said what He wanted us to say, did what He wanted us to do and yet when the naysayers came to persecute us, run our name through the mud, we also felt alone? I'll admit it. I've felt that way many times. I've been overwhelmed by my circumstances, cried out to God only to feel like He wasn't listening. I cried and prayed for answers. I cried and prayed for God to reveal to me where I went wrong. I've had times when I felt like I must have really messed up to be getting the trouble I was getting. I mean really, how could God be glorified and lifted up while His servant is getting the rug pulled out from under her and she hits the floor? Or how can God get the glory when everyone sees His servant spend the night in stocks? lost his head? or any of the other things that God's people are facing everyday around the world. Some times we can feel so overwhelmed that we just want to stop moving forward... not really... but the thoughts do cross our mind. But keep reading...

Look at Jeremiah 20:9 NASB. Jeremiah says, "But if I say, I will not remember Him or speak anymore in His name, then in my heart it (speaking of God's Words)(prophecies given to him by God) become like a burning fire shut up in my bones; and I am weary of holding it in, and I can not endure it." Jeremiah has no choice but to speak what God gives him. He describes the feeling as "burning fire shut up in my bones." He goes on to say "and I am weary of holding it in and I can not endure it." Wow! Ever felt that way? I have! No matter what we go through, what keeps us going? God has impacted our life so much that we can't keep Him a secret! His Words are in us like a burning fire and it's gotta come out. If you don't feel that way, take inventory!

My prayer:

O God, let your words be that way in me. Don't allow any hinderances in me to ever hold me back from doing or saying what you want me to do and say. Make me your mouthpiece, God, unafraid of men and their faces; unafraid of men and their gods; unafraid of persecution. Enable me to stand firm though I may stand alone. Put your words in my mouth. Speak through me. Use me, O Lord. I am yours! Love through me. Shine through me!