Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost: Old Testament, Jeremiah 11:18-20

Jeremiah 11:18-20

I love the Old Testament prophets. I think it’s their resilience. Some of them recognize that they are not prepared for their task. At least in their own estimation. Some have doubts. Some turn tail and run in the other direction when called or challenged. But they all carry a message. It’s difficult work. It is impossible work for them as it is for us to do anything of true spiritual benefit. Jesus taught us as much when He said, “Without Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).

In our Old Testament reading this week we come upon a rather weary Jeremiah who has taken the yoke of preaching to a rebellious people. He has experienced his own people jettisoning the place of privilege they have under the care of the only true God, and among other sins, have deflected God’s Word to whore after the false god Baal. Jeremiah stays on task. And it gets him in hot water. Not an entirely unusual prospect for God’s servants in every age..

Listen in. “But, O LORD of hosts, You who judge righteously, testing the mind and the heart, let me see Your vengeance on them, for to You I have revealed my cause” (Jeremiah 11:20). Can you hear it in the prophet’s words? Jeremiah has had it. He’s endured the people’s taunts and threats and now he wants them to “get theirs.” Truly, he does. But He goes to the right source for their punishment. And he realizes it isn’t his place to strike back. Again, “Let me see Your vengeance on them.” Vengeance, the rightful response of a holy God’s wrath against those who attack His people.

God’s people did get theirs. And perhaps Jeremiah “enjoyed” it-even just a little bit. All this to say that in this world, the work of God for His kingdom will always bring trouble to God’s people. But we have a great God who doesn’t miss a trick. Our calling is to be faithful. God always is.