August 15 - Jeremiah 10-13: Race Against Horses

Reading Jeremiah 12 hit home.  Hard.  I'm questioning God on why some people have it easy and others have it hard?  I feel worn out.  I understand Jeremiah's questions, but can't quite understand God's response in verses 5-6.  Let me share with you what I found that is shedding some light on this passage:

"There is a memorable passage concerning Jeremiah’s life when, worn down by the opposition and absorbed in self-pity, he was about to capitulate to just such a premature death.  he was ready to abandon his unique calling in God and settle for being a Jerusalem statistic.  At that critical moment he heard the reprimand:  'So, Jeremiah, if you’re worn out in this footrace with men, what makes you think you can race against horses?  And if you can’t keep your wits during times of calm, what’s going to happen when troubles break loose like the Jordan in flood?' (Jer 12:5).  Biochemist Erwin Chargaff updates the questions:  ‘What do you want to achieve?  Greater riches?  Cheaper chicken?  A happier life, a longer life?  It is power over your neighbors that you are after?  Are you only running away from your death?  Or are you seeking greater wisdom, deeper piety?

"Life is difficult, Jeremiah.  Are you going to quit at the first wave of opposition?  Are you going to retreat when you find that there is more to life than finding three meals a day and a dry place to sleep at night?  Are you going to run home the minute you find that the mass of men and women are more interested in keeping their feet warm than in living at risk to the glory of God?  Are you going to live cautiously or courageously?  I called you to live at your best, to pursue righteousness, to sustain a drive toward excellence.  It is easier, I know, to be neurotic.  It is easier to be parasitic.  It is easier to relax in the embracing arms of The Average.  Easier, but not better.  Easier, but not more significant.  Easier, but not more fulfilling.  I call you to a life of purpose far beyond what you think yourself capable of living and promised you adequate strength to fulfill your destiny.  Now at the first sign of difficulty you are ready to quit.  If you are fatigued by this run-of-the-mill crowd of apathetic mediocrities, what will you do when the real race starts, the race with the swift and determined horses of excellence?  What is it you really want, Jeremiah?  Do you want to shuffle along with this crowd, or run with the horses?

"…It is easier to define oneself minimally (“a featherless biped”) and live securely within that definition than to be defined maximally (“little less than God”) and live adventurously in that reality.  It is unlikely, I think, that Jeremiah was spontaneous or quick in his reply to God’s question.  The ecstatic ideals for a new life had been splattered with the world’s cynicism.  The euphoric impetus of youthful enthusiasm no longer carried him.  He weighed the options.  He counted the cost.  He tossed and turned in hesitation.   The response when it came was not verbal but biographical.  His life became his answer, 'I’ll run with the horses.’"  (Eugene Peterson, Run with the Horses:  The Quest for Life at Its Best)

My response is still in process, not spontaneous or quick to these questions God is posing.  My ideals and youthful enthusiasm have long faded.  The cost is real to me and I'm not sure if I want to pay the price and run again.   I know that in my heart and soul I don't want to be average, I want to run with the horses.  But today,  I want to sit and watch the race.

God, You must be the reason and the response.  "Help my unbelief....help my hopelessness...help my lack of love."  (66LL)