Angela Dienhart Hancock once wrote (in a Homiletical Perspective, of Jeremiah 15:15-210: “While Jeremiah is certainly upset in this passage by his abuse at the hands of others, it is his perceived abuse at the hands of God that he finds most disturbing.” Angela could not be more correct. And as read her commentary I was taken by how articulate Jeremiah spoke to God about his very real feelings.
So often in my year of ministry I have heard people say how angry they are with God. They blame God for all the hard things in their life. At the same time they get quite concerned at that anger. They feel they have dishonored God. That God will not be pleased with them for their judgment of him. That possibility God will punish them in some way. In those conversation I have often tried to soften their concern by reminding them of Jesus’ own anger at God on the cross.
But this morning I am reminded again of the various people in the bible stories who have clearly expressed their anger toward God. Actually most of the Prophets did. Job certainly did! And here Jeremiah states his case with words of not only with anger but disappointment. And unlike with Job, God just briefly, but with strong word, reminds Jeremiah who is in charge and what Jeremiah needs to keep in focus as he moves through his days.
God is not a God of anger and wrath! God wants us to express our feelings, opinions and thoughts about life. And like a good parent, God then will tell us what is on his mind about our words to him. It is just like with our family and friends in this physical world. When we are unwilling to speak our minds to others everything just remains the same. Not good! Not bad! Just indifferent! Which in most cases renders feelings of frustration and/or pain.
More tomorrow on Jeremiah’s predicament! The predicament of trying to live as God has requested all of us to live
15 O 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. 16 Your 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. 17 I 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. 18 Why is my pain unceasing, my wound incurable, refusing to be healed? Truly, you are to me like a deceitful brook, like waters that fail. 19 Therefore 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. 20 And 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. 21 I will deliver you out of the hand of the wicked, and redeem you from the grasp of the ruthless.(Jere. 15:15-21)
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