“Woe is me, my mother, that you bore me, a man of strife and contention to the whole land! I have not lent, nor have I borrowed, yet all of them curse me. The Lord said, ‘Have I not set you free for their good? Have I not pleaded for you before the enemy in the time of trouble and in the time of distress?’..
O Lord, you know;
remember me and visit me,
and take vengeance for me on my persecutors.
In your forbearance take me not away;
know that for your sake I bear reproach.
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…
“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…
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.’” Jeremiah 15:10-11,15-16,19b-21
Jeremiah, the weeping prophet, took his complaint to the Lord. Had he not done and spoken all God commanded, and only to rejection, ridicule, and cursing? Was his obedience to no avail in Judah? And the Lord answered with questions: Had He not appointed him for Judah’s good? Had He not pleaded for his faithful servant? What Jeremiah struggled with in emotion and flesh God undertook for in the heavenlies. Any reproach suffered was shared, understood, and covered. (Psalm 69:9)
For us, there are beliefs and obediences God requires that may stir strife and contention with those around us. While we need to discern whether we contribute to that with any errant pride or attitude, we can expect that our Lord’s patterns and truths will meet resistance. If we answer to Him and not our peers, we will know He is on our side, ever interceding for us, and be at peace. No trouble or vilification, no attack or slander, can remove us from the cover of His love or subject of His intercession. We may be buffeted and shaken for a season here below, but we are safe and secure with our heavenly Advocate forever. (John 17:13-16; Romans 8:31-39; Hebrews 7:25)
When we have complaint, justified anguish due to blatant sin and disregard of the Holy God, where do we voice it? Are we quick to spout it off to others with whine or disrespect, or more quickly fly to God who knows all, works all for good, and helps us gain perspective? When criticized or castigated, do we lash back, pity ourselves as victims, or check motive and methods to ensure they align with God’s? How is the Lord increasing our faith through the hard obedience of proclaiming His word amidst rejection? He’s on our side!
Father, my strength, stronghold, and refuge in the day of trouble, thank you for pleading for me. Help me obey with zeal, believing Your intercession makes a difference, looking for Your glory to be revealed. (Jeremiah 16:19a)
As the rain and snow 