Jeremiah 13-15

In Jeremiah 15:15-18 the prophet lodged a pretty serious complaint with God. He doesn’t mind God’s patience toward those who are oppressing him. But Jeremiah makes it clear that he’d rather that God kill them then allow them to take his life. In verse 18 he asks 3 very pointed questions; “Why much I suffer such painful anguish? Why must I endure the sting of their insults? Will you let me down when I need you?” God’s reply in verses 19-23 can be read with a number of different tones. God could have rebuked Jeremiah sharply. I find that unlikely since God always seeks to build up and encourage those who remain faithful in their struggles. I think it is more likely that God would have been firm and loving in his words. He was  seeking to bring Jeremiah back in line with the right path but his desire was to restore the relationship. The last instruction in verse 19 is very telling, “They must become as you have been. You must not become like them.” Sounds very familiar to later message to Christians to be in the world but not of the world.

 

Stuart