In today’s Daily Devotional, we delve into the profound truths contained within the pages of Jeremiah, chapters 14 and 15. As we journey through these passages, we find ourselves immersed in the unyielding struggle of a nation wrestling with the consequences of their actions, and a prophet grappling with the weight of his calling. To answer the question, why do the wicked prosper, go to Jeremiah 12 and 13.
Who was Jeremiah in the Bible?
Jeremiah, the steadfast messenger of God, stands at the forefront of a spiritual battleground, where the cries of the people mingle with the echoes of divine judgment. In the face of a relentless drought, the people turn to their Creator, beseeching Him for mercy and deliverance. Yet, their pleas fall on deaf ears, met with a stern rebuke from the Almighty: “Do not pray for the welfare of this people.”
Lying Prophets in Jeremiah 14:14-15
In the tumult of conflicting voices, Jeremiah discerns the insidious whispers of false prophets, their words a mirage of deceit leading the people astray. Amidst the chaos, Jeremiah’s solitary lament reverberates, a poignant reminder of the burdens borne by those called to speak truth in a world shrouded in darkness.
As we immerse ourselves in the narrative of Jeremiah, let us heed the solemn warnings it offers, examining the authenticity of the voices we choose to follow. For amidst the clamor of falsehoods, there remains a steadfast promise of restoration for those who turn back to the Lord.
In the depths of despair, may we find solace in the assurance of God’s unfailing presence, His words of redemption echoing across the ages: “If you return, I will restore you.”
Today, we will cover another two chapters in the Book of Jeremiah, chapters 14 and 15. God does not let up on His people. Are there times when you wonder what God is doing in your life? Please read or listen to the twenty-two verses in Jeremiah 14 and the twenty-one verses of Jeremiah 15.
Jeremiah 14 and 15 Commentary by Allen J. Huth
In Jeremiah 14, a drought comes upon the land. The people are desperate, so they cry out to the Lord, “Though our iniquities testify against us, act, O Lord, for your name’s sake; for our backslidings are many; we have sinned against you” (14:7). What is God’s response? “The Lord said to me: ‘Do not pray for the welfare of this people. Though they fast, I will not hear their cry, and though they offer burnt offering and grain offering, I will not accept them. But I will consume them by the sword, by famine, and by pestilence’” (14:11-12).
But then Jeremiah says to the Lord, “That’s not what the people are hearing from the other prophets.” And what does God say? “The prophets are prophesying lies in my name. I did not send them, nor did I command them or speak to them. They are prophesying to you a lying vision, worthless divination, and the deceit of their own minds” (14:14).
Watch Out for False Prophets
And, by the way, these were supposedly prophets of God. Passages like these remind us to be careful about the pastors, shepherds, or priests we sit under. Are they biblical teachers or are they teaching us lying visions, worthless divination, and the deceit of their own minds?
The people continue to cry out to God:
We acknowledge our wickedness, O Lord,
and the iniquity of our fathers,
for we have sinned against you.
Do not spurn us, for your name’s sake;
do not dishonor your glorious throne;
remember and do not break your covenant with us (14:20-21).
What is the Meaning of Jeremiah 15:1?
Their plea falls on deaf ears as we turn to Jeremiah 15:1, “Then the Lord said to me, ‘Though Moses and Samuel stood before me, yet my heart would not turn toward this people. Send them out of my sight, and let them go!’” This time, though they cry out to God, God is not going to listen, “You have rejected me, declares the Lord; you keep going backward” (15:6). May that never be said of anyone of us. Do not continue to reject the Lord. Do not keep walking backwards away from God.
Here in chapter 15, Jeremiah is the lone voice crying in the wilderness warning the people and no one is paying attention. So Jeremiah complains to the Lord in 15:10, “Woe is me, my mother, that you bore me, a man of strife and contention to the whole land!” He continues, “O Lord, you know; remember me and visit me, and take vengeance for me on my persecutors” (15:15).
Jeremiah 15:16-18
Then Jeremiah reminds God of his calling all the way back in Jeremiah 1, with 15:16-18:
Your words were found, and I ate them,
and your words became to me a joy
and the delight of my heart,
for I am called by your name,
O Lord, God of hosts.I did not sit in the company of revelers,
nor did I rejoice;
I sat alone, because your hand was upon me,
for you had filled me with indignation.
Why is my pain unceasing,
my wound incurable,
refusing to be healed?
Will you be to me like a deceitful brook,
like waters that fail
And God once again answers Jeremiah’s complaint:
Therefore thus says the Lord:
“If you return, I will restore you,
and you shall stand before me.
If you utter what is precious, and not what is worthless,
you shall be as my mouth.
They shall turn to you,
but you shall not turn to them.
And I will make you to this people
a fortified wall of bronze;
they will fight against you,
but they shall not prevail over you,
for I am with you
to save you and deliver you,
declares the Lord.
I will deliver you out of the hand of the wicked,
and redeem you from the grasp of the ruthless” (15:19-21).
Digging Deeper
For Jeremiah, life was not easy. Maybe life is not easy for you either. Maybe you find yourself complaining to God like Jeremiah did. If so, hear the Word of the Lord today:
If you return, I will restore you,
and you shall stand before me. . .
they will fight against you,
but they shall not prevail over you,
for I am with you
to save you and deliver you (15:19-20).
Prayer
To God be the glory. Amen.
