Speak Up

 

    When God gives you something to say, you have to say it.  You don't have to like what it is.  You can wish it was a less difficult topic.  You hope not to offend or hurt anyone with the words you use.  When you have a command from God you have to obey.  Jeremiah did not enjoy many of the task that God gave him, but he obeyed out of love for God.

    Jeremiah was told to take a few clay jars with some of the elders and leading priest with him when he proclaimed God's Word.  It would be a difficult task because people didn't give orders to  the community or spiritual leaders.  On top of that he was to be the public speaker instead of them.  I am sure that was not something he looked forward to, but he did it.

    Jeremiah asked the people to listen.  They had forsaken God.  They were stained in innocent blood.  They had sacrificed their children.  He had to warn them one more time about the consequences.  They had one more chance to repent and turn from their sins.  It is scary how familiar this feels.  Our nation has wondered so far from God's standards that as a nation we don't even know how to get back to God.  

    Consequences of a life of sin are drastic life changes.  Sometimes God will take everything you have away.  All the grandeur may disappear.  God may destroy your family or nation.  If we defile what God gives us, then He will remove it.  It is never worth disobeying God.

    This is the message that Jeremiah had to give.  It is not an easy message, but he gave it.  He had to break the clay jars to symbolize the people being shattered and never mended again.  Some people responded well, but the stiff-necked would not listen.  Are you willing to give a similar message if God told you to speak up?

Jeremiah 19