Live Like a Prophet

The prophet Jeremiah had it pretty rough. When he presumably shouted these words, he had been the target of a murderous plot, laughed at, spat on, beaten, and spent time in the stocks.

Thankfully, for most of us, about 80 percent of those circumstances are highly unlikely consequences to sharing the Good News. Sure, there are places in the world where carrying a Bible around, or even saying Jesus’ name, could mean your arrest. But what’s the worst that could happen if you dropped his name in a conversation with a coworker or neighbor?

Jeremiah had a connection to God worthy of a prophet: he was so confident of his calling and in the truth that he preached, that to bottle it up inside was worse torture than the pain inflicted on him by his persecutors.

God has blessed us with access to his complete Word, we live in days where we no longer just hope and wonder at the idea of a Savior – we are equipped and accompanied by his Holy Spirit in every moment! We have at least as much reason to be confident in our call as Jeremiah did, yet our fear of discomfort far outweighs the fear of the Lord that encourages obedience to his call to share the good news with all people.

Lord, make me worthy of the calling I have received. Help me to see the gravity of the Great Commission and my role in building your kingdom. Give me courage and a burning fire in my heart to share your Word. I want to know you more and to help others to meet you too Lord, but I am weak: be my strength. You tell us to take heart when we are hated, because you have already overcome this world. Remind me daily that I am not alone, that you are beside me: victorious and full of mercy when I fail. In your precious name, amen.

Throughout This Day: Read and meditate on part of Jeremiah’s complaint in Jeremiah 20:7-13. Journal about what stands out to you in his prayer, and ask God to help you identify your own fears and complaints about your call. Be honest! Then, ask God to help you overcome them.

Is anything holding you back from carrying out God’s command to preach the Gospel to all people?