Readings for today: Jeremiah 17-20
I recently met with a new friend. He remarked on my confidence as a preacher. It’s something he admires deeply. He is often surprised at the things I say and how strongly I say them. He even wonders at times if I will get in trouble or possibly even lose my job. He asked me where I had gained such confidence. What experiences in life led me to become so bold and courageous? What hardships had I endured that made me seemingly impervious to the opinions of others. I told him he had it all wrong. I am not strong at all. I am not courageous at all. I feel like an imposter every time I get up to preach because I know my weaknesses and failures as a man, a husband, a father, and a pastor. My confidence - as it were - does not come from within, it comes from the Lord. I am not confident at all in my “self” because I don’t trust my “self.” My confidence is in God. His nature and character. His power and authority. His promises and presence.
The same was true for the prophet Jeremiah. He too was a bold and courageous preacher. Far more than I could ever hope to be! He was not afraid to say hard things, speak truth to power, or confront even the priests and kings of his time. He was not afraid to tell the people of Israel exactly what would happen should they persist in their wickedness. He was not afraid to call them out, even describing their sin in graphic terms. “The sin of Judah is engraved with an iron chisel on their stone-hard hearts. It is inscribed with a diamond point on the horns of their altars.” (Jeremiah 17:1 NET) For speaking God’s truth, he was persecuted. He was beaten. He was imprisoned. And clearly his experiences robbed him of any kind of “self” confidence. Indeed, he often complained to the Lord about his prophetic calling. “Lord, grant me relief from my suffering so that I may have some relief. Rescue me from those who persecute me so that I may be rescued.” (Jeremiah 17:14 NET) He called on the Lord to punish those who were attacking him. “So let their children die of starvation. Let them be cut down with the sword. Let their wives lose their husbands and children. Let the older men die of disease and the younger men die by the sword in battle. Let cries of terror be heard in their houses…” (Jeremiah 18:21 NET) Clearly, Jeremiah wasn’t afraid to vent his anger and call for vengeance on his enemies! And though Jeremiah even accuses God of “coercing” him into being a prophet (Jeremiah 20:7 NET), he still ultimately places his trust in the Lord. God is his confidence. God is his strength. God is his hope. “The Lord is with me to help me like an awe-inspiring warrior. Therefore those who persecute me will fail and will not prevail over me.” (Jeremiah 20:11 NET)
It’s a great reminder to us all. Especially when we endure difficult times or challenging circumstances. Especially when we feel like we’ve been treated unfairly or unjustly. Especially when we’ve been the victims of oppression and persecution. In those moments, we remember God is our vindication! God is our present help in time of need! God is our hope when everything seems to be crashing down around us and the walls are closing in. No matter what you may be facing today, turn to Christ! Call on Him to be your wisdom and strength! Call on Him to stand at your side as an “awe-inspiring warrior” and fight your battles for you! Trust in Him for He will win the victory!
Readings for tomorrow: Jeremiah 21-24