Passage Read: Jeremiah 17-20
Meditation Verses: 20:6-9
Thought
What was Pashhur the priest prophesying? Obviously, it wasn't what Jeremiah was preaching. Pashhur had Jeremiah arrested and put in stocks for his preaching, so Pashhur didn't like the message of judgement and the call for repentance. As Jeremiah himself says, every time he opened his mouth, it was only violence and destruction. His preaching has only brought him shame and derision. He's a laughingstock, mocked and hated by everyone. Pashhur must have been preaching peace and safety and prosperity and blessing. Everyone loved him, though he spoke lies. Everyone loved him because he spoke what they wanted to hear, and that emboldened him to arrest Jeremiah and bind him in a public place for all to mock and torment. Even Jeremiah hated his lot, but try as he might, he couldn't keep from speaking for the Lord. Right out of the stocks, he speaks judgement on Pashhur; it's a wonder Pashhur didn't throw him right back into the stocks!
Application
The crowds want messages of peace and safety and comfort and blessing. God wants holiness and righteousness, repentance and humility. The message of men brings the favor of men, but ensures their condemnation. How is that love? The message of God enables salvation, but makes enemies of those who refuse to admit their wrong and repent. That is love that ends up repaid with evil. That is a high price to pay for real compassion. Jeremiah would have stopped if he could. I don't want to start! Men don't want to hear what they need to hear, but God wants them to be warned. God wants them to repent and be saved. I so want to protect my skin, my reputation, but God, help me do what is loving and gracious, even though most people will hate me for it.