20 March 2021

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.

Jeremiah 11:18-20, NRSV

Jeremiah has had to speak stern words of prophecy to the people of Israel. Jeremiah 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 now at risk. To make matters worse, the people currently threatening him were from his home town. It is perhaps understandable that Jeremiah wants retribution on these people. However, instead of retaliating, Jeremiah trusts his cause to God who will judge “righteously”.

• • 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.