14 Cursed be the day when I was born;
Let the day not be blessed when my mother bore me!
15 Cursed be the man who brought the news
To my father, saying,
“A baby boy has been born to you!”
And made him very happy.
16 But let that man be like the cities
Which the LORD overthrew without £relenting,
And let him hear an outcry in the morning
And a shout of alarm at noon;
17 Because he did not kill me before birth,
So that my mother would have been my grave,
And her womb ever pregnant.
18 Why did I ever come forth from the womb
To look on trouble and sorrow,
So that my days have been spent in shame?
You know, it must have been really difficult for Jeremiah. I can't imagine having to constantly be the bearer of bad news. I mean, Jeremiah was constantly pronouncing judgement on his people. Imagine for a second, that people you've grown up around all your life are now being promised by God that destruction is coming if they don't repent. Ok now, take a look at the world around us today! Are we not living in such a day?Yes! We are! But are we warning our friends, family, neighbors, co-workers, complete strangers, our churches, etc? Why not? Has God not also promised judgement on those who sin? Yes, he has! 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. Taking a look at Jeremiah here, (Jeremiah 20:14-18 NASB), he says, 14 Cursed be the day when I was born; Let the day not be blessed when my mother bore me!
15 Cursed be the man who brought the news To my father, saying,
“A baby boy has been born to you!” And made him very happy.
16 But let that man be like the cities Which the LORD overthrew without £relenting, And let him hear an outcry in the morning And a shout of alarm at noon;
17 Because he did not kill me before birth, So that my mother would have been my grave, And her womb ever pregnant.
18 Why did I ever come forth from the womb To look on trouble and sorrow, So that my days have been spent in shame?
Jeremiah did not glory or find pleasure in telling people that they were headed towards destruction if they didn't repent and turn from their wickedness. This insight into Jeremiah's heart and mind, tells me he wishes he'd died in his mother's womb rather than do what he's doing. It's not easy telling someone they have a deadly disease that without treatment they'll die. The look on that persons face, the thoughts that must go through that person's mind, it's indescribable, incomprehencable. Who'd refuse treatment? I'm reminded of a quote I once heard, "It is sin that distorts a person's mind to fear cancer, but laugh at Hell." I'd have to admit that it would be extremely difficult for me to break the news to someone that they're going to die if they don't stop what they're doing. But for them to laugh in my face would be more hurtful. Not because of being laughed at, but because the person doesn't seem to care about their future... knowing how deceived and how distorted their thinking is would definitely hurt! I'd feel like digging a hole someone and hiding away. Jeremiah was called by God to deliver a message that He knew would not be received. He was called by God to warn a nation to turn from their idolatry, their sins, their wickedness and to be the people God called them to be, set them free to be... by them not doing so they chose death rather than life. You see, Romans 6:23 NASB says, "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." God offers life and life more abundant, but if we choose to go our own way, live like we want, live in that sinful nature that we're born in because of Adam and Eve, we chose death. No matter how hard the task, no matter how difficult it was for Jeremiah to tell his people what they were headed for, the message was a burning fire in his bones that had to come out! He did not speak these words in hate, rejoicing for their destruction, but with a deep compassion, a deep sadness. He loved his people. His words weren't popular. He wasn't popular. He was dispised and rejected! Today we are given a message to cry out to those around us. It's the message Jesus preached in Matthew 4:17. "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” We're not looked upon as popular, but viewed by the world as people who are "missing out". This all derives from people who are blinded by Satan, deceived and drawn aside by their own lusts. The message we are to share is not our own and must be shared in love with compassion and in the boldness of the Holy Spirit. Time is running out. Destruction is promised. Persecution, mockery, and being beat may be just around the corner for us, but like Jeremiah, God's words will be like fire shut up in our bones and we'll be unable to hold it in. This world needs Jesus! Romans 10:14 NASB says, "How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher?" We are called and commissioned by God in Matthew 28:19-20 NASB, "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you;" ------ and God's promise to us ----"and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Let's be about our Father's business. My prayer O Lord, break my heart for those around me. Give me the words to say. Help me see everyone thorugh your eyes and to love them as you love them. Give me a boldness to do and say what you lead me to do and say. Use me for your glory! Reveal yourself through me. |
