Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal Abraham Lincoln Therefore I will not restrain my mouth; I will speak in the anguish of my spirit; I will complain in the bitterness of my soul. Job 7:11

Jeremiah 20:8-18 Raw Feelings

Review

Review Help us to understand the raw nature and swings of emotion that Jeremiah expresses if we remember … + ~ 30 years, a long time to face criticism + Jeremiah’s message was not positive + Jeremiah crossed the point of no return

Jeremiah’s Raw Feelings O Lord You deceived me 7 I will not speak anymore in His name 9 Let me see Your vengeance on them 12 Sing to the Lord Praise the Lord 13 Cursed be the day I was born 14 Why did I come forth from the womb to see labor and sorrow, that my days should be covered with shame? 18

Jeremiah’s Raw Feelings, Struggles, Downs and Up Blame the Lord 7-10 Ask for vengeance 11-12 Praise the Lord 13 Curse his own birth day 14-18

Lessons You may complain about your lot in life, but you should still be obedient to God You should not expect the praise of men when you speak God’s word. Those who God calls must speak God’s word. Timing is always a divine prerogative. Unbelievers may look to see believers fall. Vengeance is for God. Revenge is not up to you.

Lessons Continued 7. The Lord is with you, but this does not mean you will have problem free living. 8. Sing to the Lord, He will deliver you even if it is through difficulties. 9. We may say things in a moment that express ‘raw feelings’. They are usually wrong and we should repent of these things we say. 10. Be really careful of blaming the Lord. 11. Jeremiah suffers because he faithfully fulfills his duty to the Lord. This is the opposite of what prosperity churches and theology teaches.