Jeremiah 15: 15 - 18

Introduction: What are servants of the Lord to do when they face exhaustion
or exasperation because of His work? Perhaps Jeremiah helps us to answer
this question. Almost every servant of God, like Jeremiah, has had a spell
when he was ready to resign but knew all the time that he couldn't. Let's look
at Jeremiah's case:

The Pressure that Crushed Him. Here is a servant of God under severe
strain. Indeed he had broken down under the burden of his responsibility.
Why was he ready to give up?

A. Unceasing Opposition (v. 15). Jeremiah's prayer in 15:15 reveals his

frustration with opposition. The people of Jeremiah's hometown,
attempted to assassinate him (11:18--12:6). Everyone's hand was against
the prophet. The princes, prophets, priests, and people of his land were
against him (26:8). Jeremiah was hated and despised because of his
message and ministry. Sensitive to his people's response, Jeremiah felt
keenly the attitude of his people. Could this be the cause of your spiritual
breakdown? Are you experiencing the pressure of unceasing opposition
in the home, office, firm, or university? We must deliver the message
despite how unwelcome it may be.

B. Unrelieved Isolation (vv. 1617). As he recounted his past experience,

Jeremiah said, "Your words were found . . . O LORD God of Hosts" (v. 16).
This is an obvious allusion to his call related in chapter one. He then
mentioned the cost of answering that call: ". . . I sat alone because of your
hand . . ." (v. 17). The Book of Jeremiah reveals that, while there were
several individuals who befriended the prophet in a time of dire need, very
few stood with him in his testimony against the sins of the people. As a
prophet, Jeremiah was called to walk a narrow path in solitude.

C. Undisciplined Thinking (v. 18). Jeremiah permitted himself to

indulge in thoughts that led to the volcanic eruption of verse 18. What
was Jeremiah saying? He was laying the blame for his circumstances
at God's door. He openly accused God of having failed him in the hour
of his need. He charged God with being a liar and compared Him to a
mirage in the desert. Compare verses 16 and 18; how can it be the
same man speaking? One moment Jeremiah was most orthodox and
a few seconds later was accusing God of deception and failure. Don't
we do the same? One moment we express our confidence in God; the
next moment our unbelieving hearts lay charges against him.

Conclusion: Jeremiah was warned about being set aside as a prophet of the
Lord. Have you also questioned the goodness and wisdom of God? Have you
also criticized God's dealings in your life? The Lord calls you to repent, to
return, and to be reinstated in His service. Will you respond to His appeal?