S) "12 Then Jeremiah spoke to all the officials and to all the people, saying, 'The Lord sent me to prophesy against this house and against this city all the words that you have heard. 13 Now therefore amend your ways and your deeds and obey the voice of the Lord your God; and the Lord will change His mind about the misfortune which He has pronounced against you. 14 But as for me, behold, I am in your hands; do with me as is good and right in your sight. 15 Only know for certain that if you put me to death, you will bring innocent blood on yourselves, and on this city and on its inhabitants; for truly the Lord has sent me to you to speak all these words in your hearing.'"
Jeremiah 26:12-15 (NASB)
O) Jeremiah was apprehended, and the people were demanding a death sentence, because he had prophesied the destruction of the temple, city, and land in the name of the LORD. Even after his arrest, though, and knowing that they wanted him dead for the message he was preaching, he would not alter his message. He faced death, but was able to hold fast to his convictions because he was thoroughly convinced of the truth. He didn't fear death because he knew, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that his mission was from God. He didn't fear death because he knew he was being completely obedient. He controlled the only thing he knew he could control: his own faithfulness to the LORD his God.
A) Sometimes, I ponder the end times that fast approach. When reading through the gospels, where Jesus talks about the trials that will come for His followers; reading through the book of Revelation, I wonder how I would face legal (or even lethal) persecution. The best preparation, is to be convinced of the mission God has given me (inasmuch as I am to proclaim the gospel and praise Him openly). I must continually put my mind on the singular task of obeying Him, with each and every task. That process really starts now. Everyday, throughout the day, I need to constantly come back to the question: am I obeying the LORD my God? There will come a day (whether or not I see it) when obedience to God will be costly - very costly. How I handle that day, has everything to do with how I handle this day. In the verses above, Jeremiah was not doing anything out of the ordinary for him, and so he obeyed as he'd always obeyed.
P) Father, it is convicting to read about the faithful, relentless obedience of Jeremiah. I know that there are actions in my life, things that I do, that do not answer the question of obedience to You. I know that I cannot get there alone. I know that I cannot will myself to complete obedience, complete submission. Please continue to shape me by Your Word, by the Holy Spirit, to become more and more sanctified for Your glory. Please forgive me for being selfish with my time, and remind me to ask the question: am I obeying the LORD my God? Convict me with that question on a daily basis, and let me respond with greater and greater obedience. All according to Your will. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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