Jeremiah 15

Frederick Buechner is a great source of pithy sayings: "There is no event so commonplace but that God is present within it; always hidden, always leaving room to recognize or not to recognize him."

Jeremiah 15 continues God's condemnation of his people and the prophesy of their destruction. Some are making life hard on Jeremiah (v.15). But some seem to be listening (v.19).

God says do not encourage them. If they ask "where shall we go?" (v.2) you tell them there are four destinies: (1) death, (2) sword, (3) famine, and (4) captivity. Only one of four brings life and that a life of slavery in a different land. Jeremiah has no encouragement for them.

We begin to see asides that show Jeremiah's suffering. He does not like his position (v.10, 15). God does not relent from his awful calling. But he tells him he will support him (v.20). They will eventually take you seriously (v.11), no doubt when it is too late.

It is interesting to note that this is encouraging reading after it has all occurred to those who find themselves in the lands of their deportation. They are the survivors, in captivity. But this will show them, those who believe, that God is after all in control. This has not happened because of the strength of the Babylonian gods.

So when God promises them they will return back to the promised land they can have hope. They have basis to believe and hope. Some did believe and eventually went back to become God's chosen again. But many got comfortable in the new land, adopted the culture of their overlords, and lost their identity of God's people. That is sad.

But even when God punishes us it is good to know He is in charge.