Jeremiah Chapter 20
I love being obedient to God! No I don’t! Yes I do! No I don’t! Yes I do!
The priest, Pashhur, it’s upset with what Jeremiah is prophesying from the Lord. So he had Jeremiah beaten and put in stocks overnight. In the morning, Pashhur, released Jeremiah who then immediately prophesied to him from the Lord saying, “God will cause terror to come against Judah because of you. You will see your friends fall by the sword of Babylon. You and your family will go into exile into Babylon and you will die there because of all the lies you spread to God’s people.”
Afterwards, Jeremiah has a battle in his heart and soul: “IS OBEDIENCE TO GOD WORTH IT?”
1. He’s upset with God because when he proclaims God’s words he is ridiculed, mocked, and insulted all day long.
2. So then he decides he’ll quit being obedient and he’ll quit sharing God’s word. But then the words burn in his heart like fire, and he can’t keep silent.
3. Then he goes from being upset with God to saying God is with him. He even says words of praise to God.
4. Then immediately, the memory of the persecution overwhelms him and he curses the day he was born because of the trouble and sorrow he faces.
Perhaps we go through the same thoughts. We have our days of rejoicing in God when we are obedient, but other days we complain because our obedience resulted in persecution. I admit that being a follower of Christ isn’t always “fun,” but I have learned that we can still have the joy of the Lord amongst persecution. Why? Because we know God is in control and his plans are the best. God, help me be obedient to your Spirit’s leading regardless of the outcome. May I be faithful. May your joy be seen in me.
