| “Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and Thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by Thy name, O Lord God of hosts” (Jeremiah 15:16). |
| Sometimes, when someone has said something that turns out to be wrong, or when someone has predicted something that does not happen, we say in English that he was compelled to “eat his words.” This means that he had to take back what he said, because what he said did not happen, or was just plain wrong. |
| However, the meaning in our verse for today is quite different. Jeremiah appreciated the words of the Lord, and when he heard what the Lord said, he spoke of eating them. When we eat something, it is digested in our stomach and bowels, and becomes part of us. That food is used to nourish our bodies, and to give us strength. More than this, he very much enjoyed the word of the Lord, for it was the rejoicing of his heart. When we are hungry it is always nice to eat a good meal, and we enjoy it. It was the same with the word of the Lord to Jeremiah; it was to him like a good meal! |
| However, there was a condition that made him enjoy the Lord’s words. He could say, “I am called by Thy name, O Lord God of hosts.” Jeremiah knew the Lord, and was on intimate terms with Him. He received the word of the Lord, and spoke it plainly to the people of Judah. They did not always appreciate it, but Jeremiah was faithful, even if it meant persecution for him. |
| If we belong to the Lord, we too will enjoy the Word of God, and it will be spiritual food to us, just as natural food nourishes our bodies. But we must know the Lord Jesus as our Savior to enjoy the food from the Word of God. |
| There is one more expression in this verse that is important. Jeremiah addresses the Lord as “Lord God of hosts.” This expression occurs hundreds of times in the Old Testament, and brings before us God’s power, whether for His people, or in judgment against evil. If we belong to the Lord, we belong to One who not only gives us enjoyment, but who is also all-powerful. |
