Subject: God's Word - Jeremiah 12-16

Jeremiah 15:16 (ESV Strong's)
Your words were found, and I ate them,
and your words became to me a joy
and the delight of my heart,
for I am called by your name,
O Lord, God of hosts.

Subject:  God's Word

The outside world does not understand what believers are all about, especially in regard to the power of God's Word.   The world has written millions of books.   Depending on the stats you check, there are some where between 600,000 and 1,000,000 books published each year.   Yet, the Bible is the number one selling book of all time - all the time.   The world does not get it, but perhaps the above verse can give some reason we love the Bible and we find solace, strength, steadfastness and stamina in its pages.   When Jeremiah says he "ate" God's Word, he is giving us a picture of fully digesting and enjoying and becoming nourished by the Word.   There are a lot of metaphors in God's Word for God's Word, but this one might be the best.   The Hebrew word here for "ate" is to burn up, or devour.  This is not just an appetizer.  God's Word is the source of nourishment and strength for the believer.   But, by using the metaphor "ate," Jeremiah also conveys to use some enjoyment.   There is a place in the Bible where eating God's Word is associated with bitterness:

Revelation 10:9 (ESV Strong's)
So I went to the angel and told him to give me the little scroll. And he said to me, “Take and eat it; it will make your stomach bitter, but in your mouth it will be sweet as honey.”

But, it is more likely to say what is implied here, by Jeremiah.  Note the following:

Ezekiel 3:3 (ESV Strong's)
And he said to me, “Son of man, feed your belly with this scroll that I give you and fill your stomach with it.” Then I ate it, and it was in my mouth as sweet as honey.

When we get up in the morning and devour God's Word we are having the best breakfast we can possibly have:  The Breakfast of Champions - Faith Champions.   Faith comes from hearing God's Word.   It becomes our Joy!!