In these chapters from Jeremiah 11 to 17, Stephen emphasizes the life and calling of a prophet of God. Jeremiah's experiences illustrate the hardships faced by those called to serve Him, including rejection, persecution, and suffering. Stephen explains that a prophet's primary role is to speak God's Word, which requires diligent searching and a living, heartfelt connection with God. True prophecy involves not only delivering God's messages but also being in full sympathy with God's people, sharing their burdens and identifying with their struggles. Jeremiah's deep prayer life and full dependence on God's guidance highlight the importance of intercession and communion with God. Stephen stresses that those who respond to God's call must be willing to separate themselves from worldly influences and be vessels of honor, prepared to live a life of sacrifice and obedience. He also notes that not everyone is called to be a prophet in the strict sense, but all believers are called to minister, encourage, and serve according to God's will. The life of a servant of God demands dedication, humility, and perseverance, exemplified by Jeremiah's faithful service despite immense opposition. Stephen concludes with a prayer for God's guidance, urging believers to respond wholeheartedly to His call and be used for His glory.
18 And the LORD hath given me knowledge of it, and I know it: then thou shewedst me their doings. 19 But I was like a lamb or an ox that is brought to the slaughter; and I knew not that they had devised devices against me, saying, Let us destroy the tree with the fruit thereof, and let us cut him off from the land of the living, that his name may be no more remembered. 20 But, O LORD of hosts, that judgest righteously, that triest the reins and the heart, let me see thy vengeance on them: for unto thee have I revealed my cause.
10 Woe is me, my mother, that thou hast borne me a man of strife and a man of contention to the whole earth! I have neither lent on usury, nor men have lent to me on usury; yet every one of them doth curse me. 11 The LORD said, Verily it shall be well with thy remnant; verily I will cause the enemy to entreat thee well in the time of evil and in the time of affliction.
15 O LORD, thou knowest: remember me, and visit me, and revenge me of my persecutors; take me not away in thy longsuffering: know that for thy sake I have suffered rebuke. 16 Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts. 17 I sat not in the assembly of the mockers, nor rejoiced; I sat alone because of thy hand: for thou hast filled me with indignation. 18 Why is my pain perpetual, and my wound incurable, which refuseth to be healed? wilt thou be altogether unto me as a liar, and as waters that fail? 19 Therefore thus saith the LORD, If thou return, then will I bring thee again, and thou shalt stand before me: and if thou take forth the precious from the vile, thou shalt be as my mouth: let them return unto thee; but return not thou unto them. 20 And I will make thee unto this people a fenced brasen wall: and they shall fight against thee, but they shall not prevail against thee: for I am with thee to save thee and to deliver thee, saith the LORD. 21 And I will deliver thee out of the hand of the wicked, and I will redeem thee out of the hand of the terrible.
14 Heal me, O LORD, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved: for thou art my praise. 15 Behold, they say unto me, Where is the word of the LORD? let it come now. 16 As for me, I have not hastened from being a pastor to follow thee: neither have I desired the woeful day; thou knowest: that which came out of my lips was right before thee.