A SHELTER IN A TIME OF TROUBLE

 

March 27, 2025

Even in our darkest valleys, God is with us, 

offering comfort, hope, and the promise of restoration. 

His love sustains us through every trial.

This Week's Theme Verses

 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort,

who comforts us in all our troubles

so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we receive from God."

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Jeremiah 11:18-20

Because the LORD revealed their plot to me, I knew it, for at that time he showed me what they were doing. I had been like a gentle lamb led to the slaughter; I did not realize that they had plotted against me, saying, “Let us destroy the tree and its fruit; let us cut him off from the land of the living, that his name be remembered no more.” But you, LORD Almighty, who judge righteously and test the heart and mind, let me see your vengeance on them, for to you I have committed my cause.

 

Jeremiah faced significant threats, often referred to as the "weeping prophet," he faced numerous plots against his life and ministry throughout his prophetic career. These plots were primarily orchestrated by those who resisted his message of impending judgment and calls for repentance. 

Here is a list of the threats God’s prophet Jeremiah encountered

Jeremiah's first recorded encounter with a plot against his life comes from his own hometown of Anathoth. The men of Anathoth conspired to kill him, saying, "Do not prophesy in the name of the LORD, or you will die by our hand" (Jeremiah 11:21).

Jeremiah faced further opposition from the religious leaders of Judah. The priests and prophets conspired against him, saying, "Come, let us devise a plan against Jeremiah, for the law will never be lost to the priest, nor counsel to the wise, nor an oracle to the prophet. Come, let us denounce him and pay no heed to any of his words" (Jeremiah 18:18)

Pashhur, the priest and chief officer in the house of the LORD, was particularly hostile towards Jeremiah. After Jeremiah prophesied the destruction of Jerusalem, Pashhur had him beaten and put in stocks (Jeremiah 20:1-2). This was intended to intimidate Jeremiah and discredit his prophetic ministry.

The princes of Judah sought to put Jeremiah to death after he prophesied against the city and the temple. The priests and prophets accused him before the officials, declaring, "This man deserves the sentence of death, because he has prophesied against this city, as you have heard with your own ears" (Jeremiah 26:11)

King Jehoiakim's animosity towards Jeremiah is evident in his reaction to the prophet's scroll, which contained words of warning and judgment. After hearing the scroll read, Jehoiakim brazenly cut it with a knife and threw it into the fire (Jeremiah 36:23). The king then ordered the arrest of Jeremiah and his scribe Baruch.

During the reign of King Zedekiah, Jeremiah was falsely accused of deserting to the Babylonians and was subsequently imprisoned in a cistern, where he sank into the mud (Jeremiah 38:6). This plot was orchestrated by officials who were angered by Jeremiah's continued prophecies of Jerusalem's fall.

Yet, even with all these threats and pressures, Jeremiah placed his trust in God as his defender and refuge.  He remained faithful to his divine calling with unwavering commitment to proclaiming God's truth. His prayer above in today’s reading, reflects both honesty about his fears and a deep dependence on God’s justice. Jeremiah’s example encourages us to bring our struggles to God, trusting that He is our shelter in times of trouble and the One who works all things for good in His perfect timing.

Let's apply these teachings to our lives today by taking time to name any fears or worries weighing on your heart. Bring them to God in prayer, asking Him to be your refuge and strength. Trust Him to provide protection and peace, even in the face of uncertainty.