What drives a Jeremiah?

 Jeremiah 20:7-13

I may be mistaken about you, but this writer has never had anything close to a conversation like this with God.  Listen to Jeremiah as he tells God how he feels; “O Lord, you have deceived me, and I was deceived; you are stronger than I, and you have prevailed.  I have become a laughingstock all the day; everyone mocks me.”  Is that not close to blaspheming?  I've read that the word he used is like a virgin that seduced?  Jeremiah is saying, God, you forced me into this prophet gig, and I must not be splendid at it for I’ve become a laughingstock to the people.

Most people do not like to hang with a person who is negative, all that comes from them is doom and gloom, and that is the message of Jeremiah from the Lord, it is a turn or burns message.  Listen to verse eight; “For whenever I speak, I cry out, I shout, “Violence and destruction!”  For the word of the Lord has become for me a reproach and derision all day long.”  

What drives a Jeremiah, a man who has been called out to proclaim the bridge is out to all who pass that way?  I believe the answer is a profound love for the ones who will perish if they do not heed the message.  Listen to verse nine; “If I say, “I will not mention him, or speak any more in his name,” there is in my heart as it were a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I am weary with holding it in, and I cannot.”  Many a priest and preacher have wanted to throw in the towel, to quit, but a man with the calling of God on his life will be like Jeremiah.  They will have this fire burning in them, and they will feel compelled to speak, and it matters not the popularity of the message.

In verse ten Jeremiah is telling the Lord that everywhere the people are gossiping about him and they have given him a nickname, Mr. Terror.  But God has made promises to Jeremiah, and he, like us has to go back to those promises and hold on to them for we know that faith is acting at all times and all circumstances like Jesus tells the truth, for we are aware He is Truth.

Jeremiah believed God, and when one believes God they are counted as righteousness.  So do as he did in verse thirteen, “Sing to the Lord; praise the Lord!  For he has delivered the life of the needy from the hand of evildoers.”

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice