16 March 2024

And I did not know it was against me
that they devised schemes, saying,
‘Let us destroy the tree with its fruit,
let us cut him off from the land of the living,
 so that his name will no longer be remembered!’
But you, O Lord of hosts, who judge righteously,
who try the heart and the mind,
let me see your retribution upon them,
for to you I have committed my cause.

From Jeremiah 11:18-20, NRSV

Jeremiah was required to speak stern words of prophecy to the people of Israel. He was unaware that the people were now plotting against him until this was revealed to him by God. Not only were his words rejected but Jeremiah’s life was at risk. To make matters worse, the people currently threatening him were from his home town. It is perhaps understandable that Jeremiah wanted retribution on these people. However, instead of retaliating, Jeremiah trusted his cause to God to judge “righteously”. Jeremiah’s fate reminds us of the ways in which Jesus was rejected – even by his own people – and of how a plot was made against him which led to his crucifixion and death. Those responsible expected that his name would soon be forgotten. Just as Jeremiah had done, Jesus did not resist but committed his cause to God.

• • Why do you think the people wanted to kill Jeremiah ?
  • Have you ever experienced rejection for speaking about God?

Pray for those who are persecuted and threatened for expressing their beliefs.