Jeremiah 11:14-20

“And as for you, Jeremiah, I don’t want you praying for this people. Nothing! Not a word of petition. Indeed, I’m not going to listen to a single syllable of their crisis-prayers.” “What business do the ones I love have figuring out how to get off the hook? And right in the house of worship! Do you think making promises and devising pious programs will save you from doom? Do you think you can get out of this by becoming more religious? A mighty oak tree, majestic and glorious— that’s how I once described you. But it will only take a clap of thunder and a bolt of lightning to leave you a shattered wreck. “I, GOD-of-the-Angel-Armies, who planted you—yes, I have pronounced doom on you. Why? Because of the disastrous life you’ve lived, Israel and Judah alike, goading me to anger with your continuous worship and offerings to that sorry god Baal.” * * * GOD told me what was going on. That’s how I knew. You, GOD, opened my eyes to their evil scheming. I had no idea what was going on—naive as a lamb being led to slaughter! I didn’t know they had it in for me, didn’t know of their behind-the-scenes plots: “Let’s get rid of the preacher. That will stop the sermons! Let’s get rid of him for good. He won’t be remembered for long.” Then I said, “GOD-of-the-Angel-Armies, you’re a fair judge. You examine and cross-examine human actions and motives. I want to see these people shown up and put down! I’m an open book before you. Clear my name.”