In the verses before Jeremiah 20:7-13, the prophet was beaten and put in the stock because he preached about the coming judgment of God against Jerusalem. The leaders did not want to hear that God was angry with them. As you read the following verses, notice his faith and resolve. The troubles he faced were difficult, but Jeremiah could not stop speaking the truth or trusting the Lord.

"7 O LORD, you deceived me, and I was deceived;
you overpowered me and prevailed.
I am ridiculed all day long;
everyone mocks me.
8 Whenever I speak, I cry out
proclaiming violence and destruction.
So the word of the LORD has brought me
insult and reproach all day long.
9 But if I say, “I will not mention him
or speak any more in his name,”
his word is in my heart like a fire,
a fire shut up in my bones.
I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot.
10 I hear many whispering,
“Terror on every side!
Report him! Let’s report him!”
All my friends are waiting for me to slip, saying,
“Perhaps he will be deceived;
then we will prevail over him and take our revenge on him.”
11 But the LORD is with me like a mighty warrior;
so my persecutors will stumble and not prevail.
They will fail and be thoroughly disgraced;
their dishonor will never be forgotten.
12 O LORD Almighty, you who examine the righteous
and probe the heart and mind,
let me see your vengeance upon them,
for to you I have committed my cause.
13 Sing to the LORD!
Give praise to the LORD!
He rescues the life of the needy from the hands of the wicked." (NIV)

Through faith in Jesus, you see more than just the latest problems you face or the uncertain future. You see God's perfect love that has set you free from sin and made you his child. The God who watched over and saved Jeremiah is watching over and has saved you! You are safe in his arms, today and forever. Continue to trust in his grace!

Pastor Aufdemberge

Pastor Kneser

Pastor Wempner

Pastor Zarling