Readings for today: Jeremiah 1-4
We’ve been preaching through a challenging series this summer at the church I serve. It’s called “No Easy Answers” and we’ve been attempting to apply Biblical truth to some of the most complex issues of our day. Issues like truth, life, ethnicity, immigration, refugees, politics, marriage, family, and sexuality. It’s been difficult to say the least. We’ve received nasty emails. Some people have left our church. Some remain and foster all sorts of division. I’ve been accused of being both “woke” and a “bigot.” Some weeks I get called a “leftist progressive” and other weeks a “far right conservative.” Some of the criticism has turned to personal attack. Some of it has spilled over onto my own family. On the positive side, I have had many, many more people complement us on our courage. We’ve had many new people start attending who have expressed thanks for being a church willing to take on hard subjects. Just this past week, a young woman who’s been struggling in her faith for years made the decision to return because of how we were “holding space” for those with doubts and questions. It was so encouraging to hear her story.
Jeremiah was a man called to preach in one of the most difficult seasons in Israel’s history. He was watching the end of an era. The twilight of a nation. His people had abandoned their faith. They no longer trusted in God or obeyed His Word. They ignored His Law and God’s judgment was on the way. Their hearts were hard. Their eyes were blind. Their ears could no longer hear. And yet Jeremiah was called to preach. It took great courage. It took great perseverance. He would be mocked, beaten, and persecuted. People would seek his death. I’ve often wondered where he found the strength. Then I read these words from the opening chapter, “Now the word of the Lord came to me, saying, “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.” Then I said, “Ah, Lord God! Behold, I do not know how to speak, for I am only a youth.” But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am only a youth’; for to all to whom I send you, you shall go, and whatever I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, declares the Lord.” Then the Lord put out his hand and touched my mouth. And the Lord said to me, “Behold, I have put my words in your mouth. See, I have set you this day over nations and over kingdoms, to pluck up and to break down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant.” (Jeremiah 1:4-10) Jeremiah’s confidence comes from the Lord. He trusts the call God has placed on his life. It’s an inner strength he was born with. Something God instilled in him in the womb. To abandon this call would be to abandon himself which is something Jeremiah simply cannot do.
I have to admit I feel much the same way. I actually don’t feel like it takes much courage to preach what I preach. I simply say what God has called me to say. Frankly, I think it would take more courage to keep my mouth shut. To not preach God’s Word. To substitute something more popular, less threatening, or to play to the crowd. Such an idea scares me to death because I know the Lord will hold me accountable for the way I lead His people. “But you, dress yourself for work; arise, and say to them everything that I command you. Do not be dismayed by them, lest I dismay you before them.” (Jeremiah 1:17) Ultimately, however, it is not fear that drives me but love. I long for God’s people to return to Him with all their hearts. I long for God’s people to listen to His Word and obey His commands. I long for them to know the blessing of God in their lives. This is my heart and I know it’s God’s heart as well. “And I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.” (Jeremiah 3:15) This is my calling. To be a faithful shepherd. A shepherd who loves God so much, he is willing to endure whatever conflict may come. I want to be a shepherd who feeds God’s sheep with knowledge and understanding. Wisdom that is not of this world. This is my calling. This is my prayer. This is my hope. May the Lord find me faithful.
Readings for tomorrow: Jeremiah 5-8