1. A taste of hell (19:1-15)

The Lord sent Jeremiah to the Valley of Ben Hinnom, just outside Jerusalem. This was the city garbage dump. The word, 'Hinnom' is another word for 'hell.' Topeth was a fire pit used for sacrificing children--a common practice in the Canaanite religions. Child sacrifice was forbidden by God, but some of the kings of Israel had practiced it. Jeremiah smashed a clay pot in the presence of the elders to announce God's judgment on a city that allowed such horrible practices. The whole city would become like Topeth--the fire pit of hell.

2. Jeremiah is beaten (20:1-6)

Pashhur the priest did not like Jeremiah's rebuke; he did not want to think about hell. So he had Jeremiah beaten and put in stocks. When Jeremiah was released, he confronted Pashhur and gave him a new name, 'Terror On Every Side.' The priest who preached an easy-going religion would be punished.

Application: Lord, help me to speak your word of truth honestly, no matter what the cost.
One Word: God will punish evil