Jeremiah 20:7-13 - by Don Neuendorf
"O Lord, you deceived me..." There are lots of interesting things about these verses, not least of which is this one raised by Jeremiah's opening words. Did God "lie" to Jeremiah?
The word translated "decieved" could have been rendered "seduced" or "enticed". But the effect would be the same. Does God mislead us?...
It might seem that way at times. But God says that it is we who deceive ourselves. We have unrighteous expectations.
I remember talking once with a very young widow who was angry at God. She had gotten married with the expectation that this would mean many years of happiness - children - vacations - anniversaries - graduations - weddings - and eventually grandchildren. God had deceived her! He had failed to deliver.
And yet, when she married, she had said "for better for worse, for richer for poorer... until death parts us." In our rational moments we must certainly anticipate that hardship, trouble, weakness, poverty, even death will be a part of our future. We know that God promises to turn even these things into good, but we know that in this sinful world we will not escape them. And yet, when they come, it seems as if they are too early. It is a "breach of contract." God has let us down.
Jeremiah was called to serve God - to speak God's Truth. He could have expected opposition. He should have expected oppression. But even in the midst of these things he had God's blessing. Even when he did not see the fruit of his work, God was working.
Where has God seemed to let you down? What do you suppose is really happening?