Woe

Woe is me, my mother, that you bore me, a man of strife and contention to the whole land! I have not lent, nor have I borrowed, yet all of them curse me.

Jeremiah 15:10


I can vividly remember weeping through a talk on this passage on mother's day (!) a few years ago when I was mentally ill. Jeremiah's complaint is understandable considering the abuse he got from his people. But his extreme reaction, wishing he'd never been born, is sinful.


God's response however is not to condemn Jeremiah's sin. Instead he gently reminds him of all His goodness to him. And God goes on to assure Jeremiah that he will have the strength to continue serving him in a hostile environment.


It must have been really wearing to be a pariah in the land, a source of derision and contempt. It had all got too much for Jeremiah. But God gently listened to his complaint and then empowered him to keep on in His service.


Jesus was the same with the disciples. On the night he was betrayed he wanted his disciples to watch and pray with him, but they were sleeping for sorrow. Rather than rebuke them however he just sadly questioned, "could you not keep watch with me for one hour? But watch and pray that you won't fall into temptation".


"Heavenly Father, help me to watch and pray that I won't fall into temptation. Forgive me for times I feel sorry for myself, but thank you that you give me the strength I need for each day. In Jesus' name, amen"

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