Daily Devotional for October 27, 2015
Jeremiah 15
Scripture:
15 You understand, O LORD; remember me and care for me. Avenge me on my persecutors. You are long-suffering—do not take me away; think of how I suffer reproach for your sake.
16 When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, O LORD God Almighty.
17 I never sat in the company of revelers, never made merry with them; I sat alone because your hand was on me and you had filled me with indignation.
18 Why is my pain unending and my wound grievous and incurable? Will you be to me like a deceptive brook, like a spring that fails?
19 Therefore this is what the LORD says: “If you repent, I will restore you that you may serve me; if you utter worthy, not worthless, words, you will be my spokesman. Let this people turn to you, but you must not turn to them.
20 I will make you a wall to this people, a fortified wall of bronze; they will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you to rescue and save you,” declares the LORD.
21 “I will save you from the hands of the wicked and redeem you from the grasp of the cruel.”
Observation:
This chapter is heavy. God is declaring the inescapable judgment that is on its way. Jeremiah, on the other hand, is in an interesting situation. Jeremiah, clearly being set apart, is still not completely happy. Here is how his complaint is recorded:
Verse 15 – He lays the foundation for his suffering.
Verses 16-17 – He conveys how good he has been.
Verse 18 – He questions God.
At times in my life I walk away from a conversation and say to myself, I cannot believe I just said that. I wonder if this is one of those moments for Jeremiah. God asked Jeremiah to repent for his attitude. Then the Lord reminded him of the plans to utilize and protect him in the near future.
We must be careful of how we approach the Lord when we are unhappy. We are able to voice our pain or questions to the Lord; however, Jeremiah crossed the line by accusing God of being deceptive. As Spirit-Empowered Men, we will face hard times and walk through seasons that don’t make sense. When we arrive in those seasons, remember that God is faithful and God is good. We must be sure our attitudes and emotions reflect the goodness of God.
Application:
- Personal Application: Don’t forget that trials and troubles are as much a part of our discipleship journey as success and celebrations are. Regardless of the season we are in, we must remember that the Lord is faithful and the Lord is good. Let your prayers, emotions, and actions reveal that truth.
- Family Devotional: Read this chapter to your family. Remind them of the importance of respect ,especially through the words that we say. Not only must we be respectful of our leaders, our elders, and those around us, but we must also be respectful of the Lord. Pray with them.
Prayer:
- Personal Prayer Focus: Ask God for forgiveness for those times when you felt that He turned His back on you. Pray that you will continually see your purpose in His plan no matter what season of life you are in.
- Family Prayer Focus: Pray that God will show grace and understanding to your family as they wrestle through the discipleship journey.
Three-Year Reading Plan for Sunday, October 25 – Sunday, November 1:
- Sunday, October 25: Jeremiah 13
- Monday, October 26: Jeremiah 14
- Tuesday, October 27: Jeremiah 15
- Wednesday, October 28: Jeremiah 16
- Thursday, October 29: Jeremiah 17
- Friday, October 30: Jeremiah 18
- Saturday, October 31: Jeremiah 19
- Sunday, November 1: Jeremiah 20
—TOM GROOT is National Director of Men’s Ministry and Christian Education. Connect with Tom on Facebook or Twitter @TomGrootJr.
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