Scripture for Rob’s sermon on November 11, 2012.

Jeremiah 2, 10:22 (The Message)

What wrong did your ancestors find in me
that they went far from me,
and went after worthless things, and became worthless themselves?

Has a nation changed its gods,
even though they are no gods?
But my people have changed their glory
for something that does not profit.

As a thief is shamed when caught,
so the house of Israel shall be shamed—
they, their kings, their officials,
their priests, and their prophets,

For they have turned their backs to me,
and not their faces.
But in the time of their trouble they say,
“Come and save us!”

But where are your gods
that you made for yourself?
Let them come, if they can save you,
in your time of trouble; for you have as many gods
as you have towns, O Judah.

Also on your skirts is found
the lifeblood of the innocent poor,

You shall be put to shame by Egypt
as you were put to shame by Assyria.
From there also you will come away
with your hands on your head;
for the LORD has rejected those in whom you trust,
and you will not prosper through them.

Hear, a noise! Listen, it is coming—
a great commotion from the land of the north
to make the cities of Judah a desolation,
a lair of jackals.

The scripture for Rev. Rob’s sermon is:

Jeremiah 1:4-8, 20:7-9 (The Message)

1 4 This is what God said:

5 “Before I shaped you in the womb,

I knew all about you.

Before you saw the light of day,

I had holy plans for you:

A prophet to the nations—

that’s what I had in mind for you.”

6 But I said, “Hold it, Master God! Look at me.

I don’t know anything. I’m only a boy!”

7-8 God told me, “Don’t say, ‘I’m only a boy.’

I’ll tell you where to go and you’ll go there.

I’ll tell you what to say and you’ll say it.

Don’t be afraid of a soul.

I’ll be right there, looking after you.”

7-9You pushed me into this, God, and I let you do it.

You were too much for me.

And now I’m a public joke.

They all poke fun at me.

Every time I open my mouth

I’m shouting, “Murder!” or “Rape!”

And all I get for my God-warnings

are insults and contempt.

But if I say, “Forget it!

No more God-Messages from me!”

The words are fire in my belly,

a burning in my bones.

I’m worn out trying to hold it in.

I can’t do it any longer!