Live to Influence, Not be Influenced
November 5, 2019
Commentary
In this passage, Jeremiah accuses God of not helping him when he really needed it (vv. 15-18). Keep in mind God had promised ultimately to deliver and vindicate Jeremiah (v. 11), but he wanted God to avenge him of his persecutors. Though God was long-suffering, Jeremiah hoped for swift justice; he wanted to be vindicated before God would take him away in death. He had taken his eyes off God’s purpose and was feeling sorry for himself. He was angry, hurt, and afraid. In response, God didn’t get angry at Jeremiah, he answered by rearranging Jeremiah’s priorities. As God’s mouthpiece, he was to influence the people and not let them influence Him.
God rebuked Jeremiah for his doubt and self-pity (v. 19-21). To be His spokesman he needed to speak worthy and not worthless words. he was to remain steadfast before God. In no case was he to turn to them for guidance but they to him. Because of his attitude toward God Jeremiah was about to quit. It was not unusual, throughout scripture, for chosen servants of God to become discouraged and be ready to throw in the towel. Moses became discouraged and wanted to die (Num. 11:10-15); Joshua was ready to quit and leave the promised land (Josh. 7:6-11); Elijah even abandoned his place of duty and hoped to die (I King 19); and Jonah became so angry he refused to help the very people he came to save (Jonah 4). Jeremiah had to learn to walk by faith, which meant obeying God’s word no matter how he felt, what he saw, or what others might do to him.
Application
I must never allow others to influence me to the point I am discouraged and want to quit. Instead I must be His mouthpiece in order to influence others and bring many to the Lord.
Jeremiah 15:15– 21 (NET)
15 I said, “Lord, you know how I suffer. Take thought of me and care for me. Pay back for me those who have been persecuting me. Do not be so patient with them that you allow them to kill me. Be mindful of how I have put up with their insults for your sake.
16 As your words came to me I drank them in, and they filled my heart with joy and happiness because I belong to you, O Lord God of Heaven’s Armies.
17 I did not spend my time in the company of other people, laughing and having a good time. I stayed to myself because I felt obligated to you and because I was filled with anger at what they had done.
18 Why must I continually suffer such painful anguish? Why must I endure the sting of their insults like an incurable wound? Will you let me down when I need you, like a brook one goes to for water, but that cannot be relied on?”
19 Because of this, the Lord said, “You must repent of such words and thoughts! If you do, I will restore you to the privilege of serving me. If you say what is worthwhile instead of what is worthless, I will again allow you to be my spokesman. They must become as you have been. You must not become like them.
20 I will make you as strong as a wall to these people, a fortified wall of bronze. They will attack you, but they will not be able to overcome you. For I will be with you to rescue you and deliver you,” says the Lord.
21 “I will deliver you from the power of the wicked. I will free you from the clutches of violent people.”