Jeremiah is a prophet to Israel and is often called the weeping prophet because of the judgment God is bringing on the Israelite people. Jeremiah exposes false prophets, has a yoke placed on him and is told not to marry or have any children. Jeremiah is imprisoned for the prophecy of God and for a time, God hid him for his safety. Jeremiah is a great example for all of us to stand for God, His word and the Truth. Jesus is the way, the truth and the life and, as stated in John 1; Jesus is the word—it is simply put to STAND WITH AND FOR JESUS!
What is really significant here is that Jeremiah is faithful and delivers the word of the Lord at all costs. This is what we all need to do. We need to speak truth and the gospel to others that may not want to hear it. I do want to preface by saying we need to do it all in love. Not in confrontation, disdain for anyone and not in the spirit of self-righteousness. The word tells us Jeremiah 1:5 “I chose you before I gave you life, and before you were born, I selected you to be a prophet to the nations.” I have told others that have asked, “How do I speak about Jesus with others who don’t believe?” and my response is out of love and to open your mouth. God, the Holy Spirit, will give you the words that will be able to touch the heart of the person you are speaking to. You have to trust that God will give you the strength, the spirit and the word to tell others about Him. Once you do it once or even twice, your faith in God will grow and give you more confidence.
In Revelation 6:11 we are told that we will be martyred for our faith. I get it, sometimes it is better to be silent—maybe even safe. I understand that some people seem to be so far from God that they are actually offended when you talk about Him. However, let your life and your love speak. Love covers a multitude of sins (1Peter 4:8 Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins) and no matter what they say, we need to love on them anyway. Forgive them without them asking. That is what will win them. We need to remember to pray that God will put the desire in unsaved loved one’s heart to worship Him. Pray Jeremiah 32:40 “And I will make an everlasting covenant with them: I will never stop doing good for them. I will put a desire in their hearts to worship me, and they will never leave me.” I believe we should be in prayer prior to opening our mouth and in prayer and fasting to break any strongholds in someone’s life that is withholding them from accepting God into their heart. God hears our prayers and is faithful to fulfill His word. He tells us Jeremiah 33:3 “Call to me, and I will answer you; I will tell you wonderful and marvelous things that you know nothing about.” If you aren’t hearing from God, if He feels distant to you; ask Him to search your heart, to forgive you of your sins, and maybe forgive someone you haven’t forgiven yet. These are some areas that may be blocking you from hearing from God.
Saints, in these times, we need to stand for the truth and for the gospel of Jesus Christ. We need to also let our life preach and to let all other topics be secondary, tertiary or less important. Don’t get caught in politics or in things that are going to bring you into a pit, instead; talk about what God has revealed to you. Instead talk about good things and be the encourager, the salt and light to the world. If you speak truth, it will be difficult for someone to argue with you. God will never stop doing good for you (Jeremiah 32:40 I will never stop doing good for them).
God delights in the details of your life (Psalm 37:23 The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.). God has plans to prosper you and not harm you (Jeremiah 29:11). Jeremiah is a prophet that delivers hard warnings to the people but God still gives hope. God is our hope. God is our salvation. I find Jeremiah is an example to all of us today to be bold and brave to deliver the truth to the people and to also deliver hope. That is what we are to do. Be bold, be brave and be like Jeremiah!
Love
Pastor Dr. Deb
