The Problem

It can be difficult when you figure out that people are out to get you. When you thought someone was your friend, but then you find out that they are scheming to do you in. That is what happened to the prophet Jeremiah. He lived in Jerusalem in the time before the Babylonians conquered them. He was a different kind of prophet. Most of the prophets in his day said that there was nothing to worry about. Most of the prophets said that God would protect them from their enemies. They shouldn’t worry. Jeremiah was given a different message from God. The message that God told him was that Jerusalem was in deep trouble. All round there was injustice. The Babylonian army was coming form the Northeast and they would utterly destroy Jerusalem. God also told Jeremiah not to think that anyone else would save them either. Don’t be tempted to go to Egypt for help. 

At first Jeremiah thought that he was okay. The company of prophets had always had different prophecies. He believed that he was safe and protected to speak the truth, and even though not everyone agreed, he was okay to speak the words given to him by God. But that is not what happened. Jeremiah figured out that he had been betrayed by people he trusted. Powerful rulers and prophets who didn’t like his message conspired and had him arrested, beaten, and thrown into a pit to starve and suffer because of the message he gave. 

Jeremiah understandably felt abandoned and betrayed. Perhaps you have felt this way. Perhaps you have tried your best to speak the truth, and rather than have your words received you have felt betrayed and rejected by the very people you thought were your friends. What do you do when this happens? Jeremiah asked God to take vengeance on his behalf. The Psalmist shares a similar theme in psalm 54. Sometimes things happen in life that push people in different directions.

The Solution

I heard from one of our previous members this week. Emily was a member here at Grace, and she taught biology at Chaffey College. Emily is now living in Albuquerque working in bio-medicine, and attending another Lutheran church. I was so happy to know that Emily was a part of a worshipping community. Sometimes things happen in life that makes us lose people in our community. This is always sad, but knowing that people find new churches for me, is a sign of the resurrection.

Emily introduced me to the work of Dr. James Lawson. Dr. Lawson is a Methodist pastor and leader of the civil rights movement. Some say he was the architect and intellectual that accompanied Dr. King. One of the things Lawson teaches is how to love your enemies. He emphasized that non-violent action isn’t passive. It is an active way to change the heart of your enemy. It is ingenious because it is about converting an enemy into a friend. It isn’t about dominating. It is about loving. 

One of the ways to do this is outlined by James in chapters 3 and 4. James says to sew peace and you will reap justice. For example, if you find yourself having a discussion with someone and they say things or have opinions that you strong