Proper 7: OT, Jeremiah 20:7-13

Having years ago been influenced by a book on the prophet Jeremiah, Kim and I gave that name to our first-born. Characterized often by weeping and lamenting over his people, there was no greater champion of the Old Covenant. In our Old Testament reading this week we find Jeremiah recently released from a night in the stocks following a beating by a corrupt priest (pastor). We find those types in every age. Not corrupt in the sense of being a fallen person as we all are. But corrupt in his unbelief and rebellion against the God of Israel, active unbelief and rebellion against God’s very calling.

Jeremiah, always insecure in his calling, cries out to the LORD in verse 7: “O LORD, you have deceived me and I was deceived, and you have prevailed.” Jeremiah is not accusing God of lying to him, but leading him in a direction that Jeremiah couldn’t figure as the right path. So often true in our lives as well, we find ourselves saying to the Lord, “This cannot possibly be the road you meant me to take.” I said that about something in my life just a couple days ago. Close to home is the word of the Lord. Jeremiah then rehearses his woes to the Lord. Beaten by a prominent leader, thrown into the stocks Jeremiah wonders in his crying if even the very word of God has become his enemy.

But then there is a turning of sorts. It’s one of the ways God shows his faithfulness in the Bible. Often at the point of one of his children’s despair, God deposits the right view. God deposits truth and with it, courage that moments before wasn’t anywhere near the failing child. Verse 9: “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.” Jeremiah is saying in effect, “I gotta let it out.” The Apostle Paul knew that compulsion. Remember? “Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel” (1 Cor. 9:16).

Yes indeed. I remember reading that book. Putting it down, I said to my very pregnant wife, “What do you think of the name Jeremiah?” We chatted.  We considered passages I had read to her out loud, and our little man had his name. I love that name as much today as I did then. Our oldest son has grown and exhibited much the same heart as his namesake. Not so much the tears, but a great heart for people. For all people. I want him (he’s 32 now) to be just like the Bible Jeremiah when he grows up. I want to be like him when I grow up, too.