3rd Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 7
Scripture: Jeremiah
20:7–13
Jeremiah is known as the weeping prophet for good reason.
Much of his ministry found him prophesying judgement, captivity, and
destruction. In the first part of this chapter Jeremiah was imprisoned in
stocks because his prophecies were so unpopular. In today’s reading we get a
glimpse of Jeremiah’s interior reflections on his ministry and misery. He feels
compelled to prophesy, and yet he knows that his prophecies – God’s Word -
bring sorrow and opposition to him. In a day when God’s Word is unwelcomed and
his followers are often ridiculed this passage stands as a reminder to us that
God’s Word has always been resisted, and yet God defends those who faithfully
speak his Word and delivers them.
Teaching
Often our experience of God’s Word in our life depends on
our focus. When we focus on ourselves God’s Word can be a great burden. The
Word demands to be spoken, to confront sin, to correct error, and to condemn
wickedness – and that is hard for us to bear when we see the truth hurt people
around us. However, when our focus is on God, his Word is a great treasure
filled with promises of salvation and deliverance, and the pain is like a
surgeon’s scalpel that harms in order to bring healing.
Why do people receive God’s Word differently? Largely, it is
because of faith. When we believe God’s will for us is to save us from our sin,
we hear his rebukes less as condemnation and more as calls to repentance. Jesus’
cross shows us how greatly God desires to save sinners. We receive God’s Law
and recognize that it is just and right as it declares God’s judgement. Yet we
also know that the full brunt of God’s judgement was poured out on Jesus so we
long to proclaim that our God also forgives sinners and redeems even the
wicked.
Life
There is a popular false teaching called the Prosperity
Gospel which holds that Christians are moving from victory to victory and
should never experience sorrow or setbacks in their lives. This heresy teaches
that God always makes life good for true believers. How does the square with
Jeremiah’s experience? Should we think that because he experienced sorrow and
frustration that he must not have had enough faith in God’s deliverance? Of
course not!
We should recognize that God’s Word has always been resisted
in this world. Those who speak God’s Word faithfully, though respected and
loved by some, have also been despised and maligned by others. Don’t lose
heart! When your sorrow is great and you experience suffering for the faith
turn your eyes to God’s promises and remember that he who gave his Son to
redeem you is faithful in all things – even to his promise to save you.
Prayer
O God, it is sometimes hard to bear your Word to this world.
We rejoice to speak of your love and forgiveness, but it is hard to tell people
that the reason they need forgiveness is because of their sin and the
wickedness of their hearts. Thank you for showing us our brokenness and for
healing us. Forgive us for being afraid to speak your Word. Strengthen our
faith and trust in you so we speak it more freely in faith. Amen.
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