Doing what is right in the eyes of God is not always easy. Often there are people who do not like to see us doing what is right and standing firm in that truth, no matter what happens. Today, as we come together to commemorate the Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia, has the tension not always been the same ever since this republic was founded? It is the tension between those who stand up for and support the truth, and those who seek their own convenience and will stop at nothing to achieve their goals.
This is also what Jeremiah experienced. From the very beginning of his mission, he knew that the path he was taking would not be an easy one. He was aware of his limitations when it came to speaking, and moreover, the task of being a prophet was no easy feat. Here, Jeremiah once again expresses his struggles in a prayer filled with lamentation to God. Whilst prophets are usually portrayed as firm and fierce, we can now see and learn from their fragility, their wounds, and their humanity as they carry out their divine mission.
What is revealed in our passage today is the Lord’s own revelation concerning those closest to Jeremiah, who, it turns out, harboured evil intentions towards him. Furthermore, there were people from Anathoth who threatened Jeremiah to prevent him from speaking the truth before God. Who were these people of Anathoth? They most likely included priests, relatives, and members of the religious community who were disturbed by Jeremiah’s prophecies. Amidst all these difficulties, Jeremiah realised that the Lord alone was his protector and just judge. The Lord will exact vengeance upon those who refuse to listen earnestly to His decrees, for, fundamentally, the Prophet Jeremiah is merely God’s instrument for revealing His will.
Dear Friends of the Bible, let us remain steadfast in practising and upholding the truth, however great the challenges may be. This is all the more important in a society that has long since lost its sensitivity to the truth, as the truth has long been manipulated by those with vested interests. Yet it is precisely in such a society that we are challenged to practise and uphold the truth with even greater earnestness, whatever the risks. As we reflect on the anniversary of our nation’s independence, this is what we can offer to give meaning to Indonesia’s independence.
