Jeremiah 15:15-21 (CEB)
We begin this scripture, written as a poem and find Jeremiah living in a difficult existence. God’s calling has left him lonely. Jeremiah is hurting and feels like the path ahead is difficult. He is worn out from his calling. God has reassured him that strength will be given and gives Jeremiah more encouragement. Jeremiah pours out his heart, and soul in a passionate cry to God.
You understand, Lord! Remember me and act on my behalf. Bring judgment on those who torment me. In your mercy, spare my life. Consider how I’m insulted on your account.
When your words turned up, I feasted on them; and they became my joy, the delight of my heart, because I belong to you, Lord God of heavenly forces.
I didn’t join the festive occasions; I took no delight in them. I sat alone because your hand was upon me and you had filled me with curses.
Why am I always in pain? Why is my wound incurable, so far beyond healing? You have become for me as unreliable as a spring gone dry!
It amazes me that in our own times of difficulty we often have a similar conversation with God. I’ve been here for you Lord…Are you truly here for me? Perhaps this resonates with you?
God responds to Jeremiah’s ‘’help my unbelief’ plea.
Therefore, the Lord proclaims If you return to me, I will take you back and let you stand before me. If you utter what is worthwhile, not what is worthless, you will be my spokesman. They will turn to you, not you to them!
I will make you a sturdy bronze wall against these people. They will attack you, but they won’t triumph, because I am with you to protect and rescue you, declares the Lord.
I will rescue you from the hand of the wicked; I will redeem you from the grasp of the violent.
God invites Jeremiah to get back to him. Jeremiah has obviously moved his mind and is no longer putting God first. He’s quit chasing God. He has given up. He’s lost his passion.
God promises rescue from this time of torment. Jeremiah…just get up. Essentially God says get back on track and I’ll give you what you need. You’ve got to take the first step…But when you do, declares the Lord: ‘I will rescue you from the hand of the wicked, and the ‘grasp of the violent’. You will speak of me with truth and people will listen.
Maybe somedays more than others we just need that reminder that God is watching out for us. Maybe we need to question ourselves more if we are watching out for God. By that, I mean the promise that we have given to live as Christians, specifically United Methodist Christians.
I want to offer the following for your own prayer time and reflection with God these covenants of members of the UMC and consider God’s continual offer of covenant with God’s beloved people. Grace and Peace as you grow and study!
According to The Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church, members make covenant to do the following:
1. To renounce the spiritual forces of wickedness, reject the evil powers of the world, and repent of their sin;
2. To accept the freedom and power God gives them to resist evil, injustice, and oppression;
3. To confess Jesus Christ as Savior, put their whole trust in his grace, and promise to serve him as their Lord;
4. To remain faithful members of Christ’s holy church and serve as Christ’s representatives in the world;
5. To be loyal to Christ through The United Methodist Church and do all in their power to strengthen its ministries;
6. To faithfully participate in its ministries by their prayers, their presence, their gifts, their service, and their witness;
7. To receive and profess the Christian faith as contained in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments.
Pastor Michael Williams
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