27 July 2022

And I will make you to this people
   a fortified wall of bronze;
they will fight against you,
   but they shall not prevail over you,
for I am with you
   to save you and deliver you, says the Lord.
I will deliver you out of the hand of the wicked,
   and redeem you from the grasp of the ruthless.

From Jeremiah 15:10,16-21, NRSV

The prophet Jeremiah is often referred to as the “The Weeping Prophet”. He had much to lament since he was charged to deliver very unwelcome prophecies. Jeremiah’s ministry often caused him to be unpopular and mistreated. At the beginning of today’s reading, we hear Jeremiah’s anguished plea to the Lord. Jeremiah certainly did not welcome the way he was treated but at the same time enjoyed the privilege of speaking God’s word. God’s answer does not promise to take away the problems that his ministry involves, but does promise to give him ways of coping with this and protection from the “ruthless and wicked”.

• • How do you suppose God’s response to Jeremiah made him feel?
  • Have you ever felt like Jeremiah – what helped you?

Pray for those who are persecuted or mistreated for speaking of God’s will.