Jeremiah 15:1-21
Once again the LORD warns Jeremiah that He cannot accept his intercession. Even Moses and Samuel, whose lives of prayer and whose love for Israel are well known, could do nothing more in the present conditions of this wretched people (Psalms 99:6). Jeremiah is on the verge of despair (v. 10). He calls God to witness his faithfulness. "Thy words were found, and I did eat them" (v. 16; cf. Psalms 119:103). The book of the law had of course been re-discovered in the temple and the young priest had made it his delight. Children of God, may we, like Jeremiah, be able each day to find in the Bible nourishment for our souls and at the same time joy for our hearts. Paul reminded Timothy that a good minister of Jesus Christ must be nourished in the words of faith and good doctrine (1 Timothy 4:6).
The LORD encourages His faithful but fearful witness who is suffering rebuke for Him (v. 15; Psalms 69:7) and He promises to deliver him. He invites him to separate "the precious from the vile." A disciple of the Lord Jesus must have a tender conscience to discern that which is good and to practise it, to judge evil and to separate himself from it (cf. also 1 Peter 3:10-12). It is only in this way that he will be able to speak as the oracle of God (v. 19).