June 21, 2026 Text: Jeremiah 20:7-13
Dear Friends in Christ,
Some of you have followed the case of Dr. Paivi Rasanen and Dr. Pohjola, Bishop of the Finnish Lutheran Church. Dr. Rasanen is a Lutheran in Finland, a doctor and political leader and grandmother of twelve. Back in 2004 she wrote a booklet on faith and in there she called homosexuality a sin. Since that time and also because of a tweet she sent out in 2019 the Finish government has been trying to prosecute her. Dr. Pohjola has defended her and also spoken out on this topic. Most of the court cases have been thrown out but the government just won’t let it go.
Earlier this year, after going to court again, in 3-2 decision they found them guilty of hate speech. Listen to these chilling words of the Finnish State Prosecutor after the verdict. “You can cite the Bible, but it is Rasanen’s interpretation and opinion about the Bible verses that are criminal.” Satan is hard at work, isn’t He? The LCMS has been a great base of support for Dr.’s Rasanen and Pohjola. They have moments of “is this ever going to end” but they keep going on.
Jeremiah is our text wondered if he should keep going on. His words this morning are not real uplifting. Jeremiah’s prophetic ministry is under attack. It is Jeremiah’s bold attack of people breaking the Law that has him persecuted. He must be wondering . . .
“UH, LORD, CAN I LEAVE THIS CALLING?”
Jeremiah was called, you know? In chapter 1 of Jeremiah the Lord said this, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” (Jer. 1:5). Like almost everyone the Lord called in the Bible he did not want to step into this job. He said to the Lord, “I do not know how to speak, for I am only a youth.” (Jer. 1:6). History shows that Jeremiah was only 20 when called. But the Lord gave him these powerful words, words that I like to use at Pastoral Ordinations. “Gird up thy loins, arise and go, and teach them all that I have commanded you.” (Jer. 1:17 KJV). Jeremiah did go with God’s blessing and the knowledge that the Lord would not let his enemies prevail against him.
By the time we find Jeremiah here in chapter 20 this prophet is getting weak. He is getting wore down. Israel has forsaken the Lord, and they just keep doing it and doing it and Jeremiah can see no progress. Look at the words he uses in our text, “laughingstock,” “derision all day long,” “I am weary,” “denounce him!”
What happened to Jeremiah is exactly what is happening to Dr. Rasanen and Dr. Pohjola. Certain segments of Finnish society deride and denounce, and it makes a person weary. Man has free will and so he thinks he controls his own destiny. Death shatters that illusion.
Jeremiah had to admit his weakness. He must admit that he has no control over his own destiny. Jeremiah is a picture of Jesus, who willingly shared in man’s weakness. Jesus willingly accepts the destiny of the cross.
Our human weakness invites the attack of the devil and his agents. Jeremiah’s weakness inspired his enemies to attack. They want Jeremiah to stumble. They want to prevail against Jeremiah’s preaching. The enemies seek to take control of Jeremiah’s destiny.
Jesus’ weakness invited the attack of Satan, sin, and death. Sin sees Jesus as just another man found guilty before the world. Death sees Jesus as just another man turned to dust. Satan sees Jesus as just another man tempted into submission.
God’s almighty power accomplishes a great victory through human weakness. Hidden under Jeremiah’s weakness is the “dread warrior.” (v. 11). The persecutors will stumble. The persecutors will not prevail. The Lord delivers the poor.
Out of the weakness of the cross, the victory of resurrection comes forth. Righteousness forgives guilt. Death finds immortal life under Jesus’ crucified flesh. In the weakness of man, but the power of God, Satan is defeated. In the weakness of our repentance, we have the power of Christ’s forgiveness. In the weakness of our human view of death, we have the strength of Christ’s resurrection. This is the ministry of the Gospel. We too like Jeremiah may question our calling at times, but in our weakness God can accomplish, like he did with Jeremiah some amazing things.
Then pray for Dr. Rasanen and Dr. Pohjola. They are not deterred. They may take the case now to the European Court of Human Rights. They are putting up the great fight of faith. They know the strength of God’s power. They know in the end what their future is. They have been an inspiration. In our human weakness, it can be depressing to see that this continues. But let us remember today as we see Jeremiah, the weakness of Christ and the cross, our forgiveness and salvation were accomplished. We have won. We get to share this life changing message.
Amen.