Long-suffering God is righteous and just in all that He does. In Jeremiah Chapter 15, God declared a severe punishment on Judah. So much so, that He said, "Even if Moses and Samuel stood before Me, My mind would not be favorable toward this people. Cast them out of My sight, and let them go forth." (verse 1)
The prophet Jeremiah, a man called by God to speak His words to a rebellious people, found himself pleading with God for mercy. He lamented his own birth and desired deliverance from his persecutors.
He put God in remembrance of his faithfulness to the call of God upon His life. He said, "O Lord, You know; remember me and visit me, and take vengeance for me on my persecutors. In Your enduring patience, do not take me away. Know that for Your sake I have suffered rebuke. Your words were found, and I ate them, and Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart; for I am called by Your name, O Lord God of hosts." (verses 15 & 16)
The prophet also complained in His affliction: "For You have filled me with indignation. Why is my pain perpetual and my wound incurable, which refuses to be healed? Will You surely be to me like an unreliable stream, as waters that fail?"(verse 18)
In verses 19-20, God set forth conditions for Jeremiah to continue in right standing before Him, with promises of His divine presence and protection. He reinforced to the prophet his calling with words He spoke concerning his purpose and mission in life. (See also Chapter 1.)
Our faithful Savior who called us, has promised never to leave us nor forsake us. He is with us in our trials and tribulations, in our joys and in our sorrows.
The Lord God of hosts is our true treasure of joy and rejoicing! Feast on His word; trust and obey. Amen.
A Walk In The Garden Devotions
Hope & Encouragement for Life's Journey
