Jeremiah 15:
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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.
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.
Angela Denker, '13
Pastor and Freelance Writer, Minneapolis, Minn.
Jeremiah 15:15 O 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.
16 Your 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.
17 I 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.
18 Why is my pain unceasing, my wound incurable, refusing to be healed? Truly, you are to me like a deceitful brook, like waters that fail.
19 Therefore 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.
20 And 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.
21 I will deliver you out of the hand of the wicked, and redeem you from the grasp of the ruthless. [New Revised Standard Version]
15 Adonai, you know. Remember me, think of me,
and take vengeance for me on my persecutors.
Because you are patient, don’t banish me;
know that for your sake I suffer insults.
16 When I found your words, I devoured them;
your words made me glad, they gave me joy;
because, Adonai-Tzva’ot,
you had me bear your name.
17 I have never kept company with merrymakers,
I could not celebrate;
with your hand on me I sat by myself,
for you filled me with indignation.
18 Why is my pain unending,
my wound incurable, refusing to be healed?
Will you be for me like a deceptive vadi,
which is only sometimes filled with water?
19 This is Adonai’s answer:
“If you return — if I bring you back —
you will stand before me.
If you separate the precious from the base,
you will be my spokesman.
It will then be they who turn to you,
not you who turn to them.
20 Toward this people I will make you
a fortified wall of bronze —
they will fight against you
but not prevail against you;
for I am with you to save you
and rescue you,” says Adonai.
21 “I will free you from the grasp of the wicked
and redeem you from the clutches of the ruthless.”
(Complete Jewish Bible)-------
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.
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.
Angela Denker, '13
Pastor and Freelance Writer, Minneapolis, Minn.
Jeremiah 15:15 O 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.
16 Your 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.
17 I 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.
18 Why is my pain unceasing, my wound incurable, refusing to be healed? Truly, you are to me like a deceitful brook, like waters that fail.
19 Therefore 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.
20 And 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.
21 I will deliver you out of the hand of the wicked, and redeem you from the grasp of the ruthless. [New Revised Standard Version]
The Luther Seminary
2481 Como Avenue
Saint Paul, Minnesota 55108, United States
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