S) "9 But if I say, 'I will not remember Him
Or speak anymore in His name,'
Then in my heart it becomes like a burning fire
Shut up in my bones;
And I am weary of holding it in,
And I cannot endure it."
Jeremiah 20:9 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Jeremiah 20
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Jeremiah 20
O) Jeremiah was really struggling at this point, even going so far as to say he felt like God had tricked him (v.7). In reality, God actually told him that his calling would be difficult, and seemingly unfruitful (see Jeremiah ). Still, he was faithful in speaking the words that the LORD was giving him, and Jeremiah felt the reproach of those around him, and it was a hard burden to bear. It would seem that at some point, he even tried to stop prophesying, but it was eating him up inside. In this sense, Jeremiah actually resembles Jonah, in that he was torn between speaking the prophecy, and just wanting to be done with it all.
A) I cannot ever allow myself to think God has tricked me. He is patient, great in lovingkindness, full of compassion, and altogether good. Beyond that, there is a burden I feel, a real need to speak up against misconceptions, misrepresentations, and outright lies. This is especially true regarding the authority of Scripture, the power of the gospel, and the goodness of God's character. There are plenty of times when, regrettably, I have held myself back because of fear. Fear of reproach, ridicule, or rejection. I don't want to be odious to my unbelieving family. I don't want to be obnoxious to my unbelieving coworkers. But, more than any of that, I don't want to be obstinate to my God. I love the truth, and I love Him who is Truth, I want to represent Him well, and I want others to know Him, to know Truth, as I do. I don't want to convince them, that's where my fears can become rooted. Convincing them is not my role. I do need, however, to be willing to speak the truth. The key then, is like Paul said, to speak it in love. My goal should not be to win arguments, but to love. Part of love, is to be truthful, but love should always be the goal. When love is my goal, that is when the truth within me, really does become incontainable. That's the fire I want burning within me, the fire of truth borne from love.
A) I cannot ever allow myself to think God has tricked me. He is patient, great in lovingkindness, full of compassion, and altogether good. Beyond that, there is a burden I feel, a real need to speak up against misconceptions, misrepresentations, and outright lies. This is especially true regarding the authority of Scripture, the power of the gospel, and the goodness of God's character. There are plenty of times when, regrettably, I have held myself back because of fear. Fear of reproach, ridicule, or rejection. I don't want to be odious to my unbelieving family. I don't want to be obnoxious to my unbelieving coworkers. But, more than any of that, I don't want to be obstinate to my God. I love the truth, and I love Him who is Truth, I want to represent Him well, and I want others to know Him, to know Truth, as I do. I don't want to convince them, that's where my fears can become rooted. Convincing them is not my role. I do need, however, to be willing to speak the truth. The key then, is like Paul said, to speak it in love. My goal should not be to win arguments, but to love. Part of love, is to be truthful, but love should always be the goal. When love is my goal, that is when the truth within me, really does become incontainable. That's the fire I want burning within me, the fire of truth borne from love.
P) Father, You are a consuming fire. I want You to burn away all my fears of men, so that I fear You alone. Burn away my distractions, burn away my fears, burn away my bitterness or jealousy or pride. I want Your love to be my motivation, whenever the truth must be told. Give me wisdom, patience, courage, and peace, when You are leading me to speak up. I want to boldly proclaim Truth and love into every situation. Help me to counterpoint the lies the enemy tries to spread. Give me opportunity to share the gospel. Help me be opportunistic in sharing the gospel. Open my eyes and ears, so that I better understand Your words. I want to honor You with the truth I speak, God. I don't want to be counter-cultural, just for the sake of be contrary. I want to be contrary, wherever the truth is under attack. Help me to be faithful in this area, Lord. Burn within me, so that I cannot resist Your urging, God. Let Your will be done. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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