GRACE BIBLE FELLOWSHIP | 恩道堂

Jeremiah’s sermons of judgement at the temple and at the valley could not have gone unnoticed by the authorities. Pashhur who is in charge of security at the temple did not like Jeremiah’s negative messages so he beat, tortured and jailed Jeremiah in order to discourage him from preaching. This is reminiscent of the Pharisees beating of the apostles in Acts 5:40. Pashhur means ease, but when God judges him he will be a terror to himself and to others.

This passage openly describes Jeremiah’s feelings, struggles, and triumph through time of extreme trial. It reveals Jeremiah’s sin of doubt, distrusting God’s faithfulness because of his torture, imprisonment and marginalization. God did not deceive Jeremiah. God warned Jeremiah of hard times, but also promised to save his life. But during time of pain, Jeremiah had forgotten God’s promise. He does not want to preach anymore, but the guilt, the burning feeling within him is even worse than not preaching God’s message, so he is compelled to continue to preach. Also, he will continue to preach because He knows God will protect him, vindicate him and judge his enemies. For that, Jeremiah praises God. But his joy is interrupted by depression. He wishes he was never born. It is easy to see why Jeremiah would be depressed in such difficult times. It is hard to comfort him in such tragic times. His only hope can only be in the coming Messiah and His Kingdom. God promises to wipe all his tears during the Messianic Kingdom (Is. 25:8, Rev. 21:4). Even though Jeremiah had depression, nevertheless, he was faithful to God and ultimately fulfilled his ministry.

Jesus says blessed, or happy, are those who are persecuted for His name sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (Matt. 5:10-11). How can one be happy during a time of pain? The only answer is his hope for the Messianic Kingdom. This life cannot be our best life now; it can only be our best life when Jesus returns. Another reason why believers can be happy in a time of pain is because guilt is more painful than torture. Just as it is better for Jeremiah not to feel guilt, the burning feeling inside, than to be tortured by his enemies. Even though, you may not suffer as much as Jeremiah, persecution is inevitable for Christians. Pray that you will love Christ more and be prepared to suffer for Him and do it with joy because you love Him and look forward to the Messianic Kingdom.

耶利米在圣殿与山谷地宣讲神的审判显然没被当权者忽视。掌管圣殿保安的巴施户珥对耶利米的负面信息极度不满，便对他施予鞭打、折磨和监禁，目的是阻碍耶利米讲道。这种行为让人联想起在使徒行传5:40中法利赛人鞭打使徒的情景。巴施户珥也作“安乐”，但当神审判他时，他将自食恶果，受到最严厉的惩罚。

耶利米的哀叹（7-18）。这段经文为我们公开表露耶利米在经受极度试炼中的感受、挣扎与欢欣。它揭示了耶利米因受折磨、监禁与排挤，陷入了怀疑与不信靠神的信实之罪。神并没有欺骗耶利米。祂曾告诫耶利米有关眼前的艰难时期，但也应许救赎他的生命。然而，耶利米经受痛苦之时却忘记神的应许。他不想再讲道，但心中的内疚像被火灼热似的，比不传神的道更难受；这促使他继续传道。另外，耶利米坚信神会保护他，为他争辩，以及审判他的仇敌，因此他继续履行职责。故此，耶利米赞美神。然而，沮丧一时淹没了他的喜乐。他希望自己从未出生。耶利米会在如此艰难的时期感到沮丧是不足为奇的。在这种令人悲伤的时期，要安慰耶利米也很难他。他唯一的盼望只能是未来要降临的弥赛亚与祂的国度。神应许在弥赛亚国度必擦去他脸上的眼泪（赛25:8；启21:4）。纵然耶利米感到沮丧，他对神仍忠心，并最终完成其事工。