Live to Influence, Not be Influenced

Jeremiah 15:15–21
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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.