He was alone for most of his ministry. It seemed that no one cared to hear his words. He was dragged off against his will to live his final days in exile. He was a failure as far as how the world judges human achievement. Jeremiah (alias “the weeping prophet”) was his name.
Reading about the course of Jeremiah’s difficult ministry, I’ve wondered if he ever looked back at the day God called him into service; and did he question God for seemingly not keeping His end of the bargain (Jeremiah 1:19). I know I would have.
And I’m glad to discover that Jeremiah did. His complaint was recorded in Jeremiah 20:7-18. His candid words are helpful. For, like us, he vacillated.
Like him, when we see no fruit from our labor and receive mockery as a reward, we too may feel cheated by God. We may be tempted to throw in the towel and call it quits.
Jeremiah, however, moved beyond his moods and did the will of God—regardless of how he felt. He was compelled to proclaim God’s Word. Remembering God’s promises, Jeremiah’s prayer led to his breaking out in worship (Jeremiah 20:11-13). But this euphoria didn’t last long, With his next breath he was cursing the day he was born Jeremiah 20:18).
Fortunately, he picked himself up after his depressing words. Jeremiah 20 is the last of Jeremiah’s recorded laments. In the remaining 32 chapters, we find that the prophet remained faithful to his call.
Francis Schaeffer wrote: “What does God expect of Jeremiah? What does God expect of every man who preaches into a lost age like ours? I’ll tell you what God expects. He simply expects a man to go right on. He doesn’t scold a man for being tired, but neither does He expect him to stop his message because people are against him.”
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Genesis 12:1-9; 17:1-8
More:
Read 2 Corinthians 4:1-18 for Paul’s reasons for not giving up even though his ministry was challenging.
Next:
How have you questioned God’s calling in your life? What keeps you going when you face hardship?
expresso on January 9, 2013 at 7:26 am
I needed to read this today. An excellent reminder to keep on keep in on! If God leads you to it, He will lead you through it. Thank you
amaines on January 9, 2013 at 10:43 am
I really appreciate that God chose and chooses to speak through imperfect people, like Jeremiah…..and like me. Its easy to give up to resign into a life of expecting less of God, expecting less of ourselves and just being complacent in general. I am glad to read of God’s faithfulness, he can not be anything but faithful….this is perfectly illustrated in the life of Christ. The God of the universe…existing beyond time comes in human flesh and lays down his life, pouring it out for all. Expresso, Thanks for the reminder that it is God who called us in and who leads us out! I usually start my day by reading this devotional (and have for the past couple years or so) I have been less than faithful in giving my time to God lately….this was a timely reminder for me. Thank you
tom felten on January 9, 2013 at 10:52 am
Good thoughts, Poh Fang. I’m reminded of what Paul wrote, “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14). We can press on by keeping our eyes on Christ and not on the negative influences that may come our way.