Jeremiah 15:15-21 (NRSV)
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Verse 15O Lord, you know; remember me and visit me, and bring down retribution for me on my persecutors. In your forbearance do not take me away; know that on your account I suffer insult. Verse 16Your 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. Verse 17I did not sit in the company of merrymakers, nor did I rejoice; under the weight of your hand I sat alone, for you had filled me with indignation. Verse 18Why is my pain unceasing, my wound incurable, refusing to be healed? Truly, you are to me like a deceitful brook, like waters that fail. Verse 19Therefore thus says the Lord: If you turn back, I will take you back, and you shall stand before me. If you utter what is precious, and not what is worthless, you shall serve as my mouth. It is they who will turn to you, not you who will turn to them. Verse 20And 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, says the Lord. Verse 21I will deliver you out of the hand of the wicked, and redeem you from the grasp of the ruthless.
Devotion
I recently moved back with my husband and two children to the city where I grew up—after many years of moving around the country. Sometimes, driving down the highway and caught in traffic,I see a familiar patch of trees, a green metal road sign and I have a burst of familiarity. A friend, a church, a school—I am known here, deeply—not for success or for prestige but because of my roots.
It is a privilege to know and to be known, deeply, and this is a promise God offers us more completely even than the city of our birth—more completely than our longtime friends, than our parents, than our spouse. Today may you delight as the prophet does—that you are deeply loved, known and redeemed by the God of hosts.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, today give me confidence in my worth—not because of who I wish I was, nor who the world sees me as, nor as I portray myself, but as you see me, know me and love me—as I am. Guide me to seek that same knowledge and love of all those I meet. Amen.