“This word came from the Lord: ‘Stand in the court of the Lord’s house, and speak to all the cities of Judah that come to worship in the house of the Lord the words that I command; do not hold back a word. 3 It may be they will listen, and every one turn from his evil way, that I may relent of the disaster I intend… because of their evil deeds. 4 Say, “Thus says the Lord: If you will not listen to me, to walk in my law that I have set before you,5 and to listen to the words of the prophets whom I send to you urgently, though you have not listened, 6 then I will make this house like Shiloh, and I will make this city a curse for all the nations of the earth…”’
“When Jeremiah had finished speaking,.. the priests and prophets and people laid hold of him, saying, ‘You shall die! Why have you prophesied… saying, “This house shall be like Shiloh, and this city desolate”?..’
“Then the priests and prophets said to the officials and all the people, ‘This man deserves the sentence of death, because he has prophesied against this city…”
“Jeremiah [said], ‘The Lord sent me to prophesy… all the words you have heard. Now mend your ways and deeds, and obey the voice of the Lord your God, and [He] will relent of the disaster that he has pronounced against you…’
“Then the officials and people said to the priests and prophets, ‘This man does not deserve death, for he has spoken to us in the name of the Lord our God.'” Jeremiah 26:1-6,8-9,11-13,16
Once again, the Lord uttered a strong, stinging warning through His prophet, a pointed, potent word against worshipers and religious leaders in the Lord’s house. Defying any justified angst, Jeremiah boldly, faithfully obeyed. In kindness, God relieved and buoyed His servant by the commoners’ support.
Truth is hard at times, especially when it exposes culpability for errant attitudes and ways. Our flesh naturally bristles at exposure and conviction. We foolishly retort, ‘How dare you tell me what to do? Why shouldn’t I follow my passions? I don’t deserve punishment for my viewpoint and choices.’
When we shut out God’s word and refuse His plumb line and moral parameters, we do so to our peril. Disdain His holiness, and step out of His protection and favor. We think we’re so smart we can determine our destiny, and actually the Lord says, ‘Alright. Have it your way, reap the whirlwind.’ We invite our own spiritual and otherwise demise. Only if we heed His word will we know fully His grace. (Hosea 8:7a)
How seriously do we take the Lord’s clear commands? Do we submit to those that make sense, but shrug off or make excuses for those that don’t fit our lifestyle or preference? Are we prone to attacking the messenger instead of considering the message? How keenly do we consider the consequences of our choices?
How might we exchange a bristling with ‘How dare He?,’ with humbly considering how dare we question God’s goodness, holy parameters, and righteous laws? When will we take time to ponder this, and on our knees confess our arrogance, resentment, willful stubbornness before His throne of grace? (Hebrews 4:15-16)
Lord, give me eyes to see myself honestly, then turn them to You for grace and transformation, that Your ways be exhibited and Your name exalted.
As the rain and snow 