Chapter 731 of 1163

JEREMIAH 20

Jeremiah went from joy (v. 13) to despair (vv. 14–18), from bold proclamation (vv. 1–6) to burdened prayer (vv. 7–12). God’s servants are human and have changes in their feelings. If we were in danger as he was, we might feel and act as he did.

As officer second to the high priest, Pashhur had a job of punishing persons who committed offenses against the temple, and his main target was Jeremiah. Religious people who have no saving faith in the Lord oppose those who have a true experience and message. Jesus was crucified by the Pharisees, who were certainly religious, and the disciples were scourged in the synagogues (Matt. 10:17).

Jeremiah gave Pashhur a new name: “Fear on every side.” He was successful in the temple, but his success would vanish when the enemy appeared. Let God take care of the people who create problems for you.

Once again, the prophet was bold before men but broken before God. Always tell the Lord just how you feel and let Him apply the medicine to your heart. When He answers your prayers, sing His praises! The enemy waits for you to stumble (vv. 10–11), but the Lord can hold you up (Jude 24–25).

A Personal Lament

“I wish I had never been born!” Job felt that way when he was suffering (Job 3), and now Jeremiah takes up the lament (Jer. 20:14–18; see also 15:10). But when we speak that way, we seem to forget all the wonderful blessings we have enjoyed throughout life. Suffering has a way of erasing the happy memories and putting sad memories in their place. Remembering His mercies helps encourage us in times of trial.

When Upon Life’s Billows

When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed,

When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,

Count your many blessings, name them one by one,

And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.

Johnson Oatman, Jr.

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