Jeremiah 18 reminds me of the Prodigal Son’s older brother. He stayed home and managed his responsibilities, doing everything right. We read about his anger when dad gave younger brother a party for just coming home. But I also suspect the older brother expressed disgust for his irresponsible sibling while he was away squandering his inheritance. It is natural to feel vindicated when others do something foolish and fail. Please understand, that is NOT God’s attitude. The chapter begins with a visual lesson, Jeremiah is instructed to observe the potter, “and I saw him working at the wheel”. It says, while shaping a pot, “the clay was marred… so the potter formed it into another pot… as seemed best to him”. The lesson seems clear, “Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in My hand, Israel”. The potter had to reform the pot. Was his ability lacking, or was there an imperfection in the clay? I think He is saying that God does not discard us, He reshapes us. He works around our imperfections and uses us as He sees fit. God explains, “If that nation I warned repents of its evil, then I will relent and not inflict on it the disaster I had planned”. We can be much like the older brother when the rebel does not get what they deserve. Sometimes we even complain that no one has had a party for us. But God has the end in mind and can see our true value. We look back, while God looks forward. He continues, describing “a nation” that is to be “built up”. If it, “does not obey Me, then I will reconsider the good I had intended”. Are you being re-shaped?
Next God instructed Jeremiah to tell the people of the pending disaster. “Look! I am preparing a disaster for you and devising a plan against you. So turn from your evil ways, each one of you, and reform your ways and your actions”. God already knows how they will respond, “It’s no use… we will all follow the stubbornness of our evil hearts”. God reluctantly observes, “My people have forgotten Me… stumble in their ways… on roads not built up… I will scatter them… I will show them My back”. There is no satisfaction in His judgment. I wonder if Jeremiah is enjoying this too much. The people seem to think so, “Let’s make plans against Jeremiah; for the teaching of the law”. I pray that my attitude is mercy toward those resisting God. 1 Corinthians 6 list a bunch of horrible sinners that will “Will not inherit the kingdom of God”, but adds to the devote readers, “And that is what some of you were”. Do you show mercy or joy when rebels suffer?
The chapter closes with the focus on Jeremiah. The people blame him, “Let’s attack him with our tongues and pay no attention to anything he says”. No one likes to be preached at. We all need a Savior. Jeremiah appeals to God, “Should good be repaid with evil?” Almost sounds like he is saying, I am the good son. “Remember that I stood before You and spoke in their behalf to turn Your wrath away from them”. Jeremiah has seen the nation squander their inheritance and he is ready for judgment, “So give their children over to famine… Let their wives be made childless and widows… Let a cry be heard from their houses… bring invaders against them”. Older brother thinks it is time for the spoiled brat to get a whoopin’. “You… know all their plots to kill me. Do not forgive their crimes or blot out their sins”. Jeremiah even asks God to “deal with them in the time of Your anger”. Maybe you have felt that way about those that have wronged you. Maybe you have felt that sting yourself. Remember the Father of the Prodigal? He spoke God’s heart toward those of us that turn back to embrace Him. “But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found” (Luke 15:32). Jesus turned the world on its head when He taught, “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,that you may be children of your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:43).