Because of what Jeremiah was prophesying, he was beaten and arrested by Pashhur, a priest who was in charge of the temple of the Lord. Jeremiah was detained overnight, and upon release, he rebuked Pashhur, telling him the Lord had renamed him "Terror on Every Side." Pashhur had been prophesying words of comfort and victory over the Babylonians to the people of Judah, but the people of Judah, including Pashhur and all his family would be in terror when the Babylonians came. The Babylonians would devastate the city of Jerusalem, and take many into exile. Pashhur would never see his homeland again.

Jeremiah then turned to the Lord with a complaint. The word of the Lord burned within Jeremiah. He had to prophesy the words the Lord had given him. But his words brought him nothing but trouble and suffering from the hands of his countrymen. But Jeremiah could turn to the Lord as a mighty warrior, protecting him from all his enemies. Those trying to harm him would all fail. So, Jeremiah praised the Lord. Obedience to the Lord is sometimes painful. But we can always be assured He is with us.


Application: Father, your word is like a burning fire within me. Help me to speak your word to others with full assurance of you.
One Word: The Lord's word is a burning fire