Jeremiah 20 - The Word of God Burns Inside

 

Jeremiah 20 – The Word of God Burns Inside

 

Zedekiah is now on the throne. He was known to be the worst and weakest king who ever ruled Judah.

 

With the change of kings, there was also a change in the life and ministry of Jeremiah. When he gave the Word of God, he was adamant, strong and hard-nosed, but personally he had a tender heart.

 

The priest Pashur slapped Jeremiah and put him in jail. The next day he released Jeremiah, but he tells Pashur that the Lord has changed his name to Magor-Missabib which means terror on every side. He also tells him that he and his people will experience great terror when they are captured and taken to Babylon.

 

Jeremiah was broken hearted over his own message, he had been rejected, ignored and then he was persecuted. He was distraught and claimed that he will not speak the Word of God anymore. But, then Jeremiah realized the Word of God burned inside him and he had to speak out. That is how it should be with us.

 

Like Jonah, Job and Elijah, Jeremiah wished he had never been born. He complained that his life was too difficult. The more he was faithful to God’s Word, the more rejection he experienced. The disappointed prophet found it hard to take comfort in God’s promise that He would be with him and deliver him (Jer. 1:8). He was a very lonely man. His prayers revealed his heartfelt feelings. It spoke of anger, resentment, and self-loathing mingled with praise and confidence. Because he continued to communicate with God meant that he knew he wasn’t completely alone. The intensity of his feelings did not take away the reality of God’s presence.

 

When we think that we are alone and facing hard challenges of our lives, the Spirit of God within us will continue to shape us and draw us to God. (Jer. 29:11)

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

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Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible. J. Vernon McGee Through the Bible