Jeremiah 20:7-13

“If I say, ‘I will not mention him, or speak any more in his name,’ then within me there is something like a burning fire shut up in my bones; I am weary with holding it in, and I cannot.” vs, 9

Jeremiah had been called to speak the Lord’s word to the rulers of Judah during the last years of the kingdom. What he had to say went squarely against the foreign policy of the king and was hugely unpopular in the city of Jerusalem. Many would have liked to see him dead. He was not immune to their displeasure and at times thought he would quit bringing his controversial message. But he couldn’t keep his mouth shut! It wore him out not to speak of the awful things he saw happening! So he continued to speak and, for the most part, lost his friends!

Some know what that feels like. Over the last few years they have been convinced that our country has gotten off track and they’ve been willing to share their convictions with anyone in the room. And often that has not gone well. Arguments have been intense and long-time relationships have been threatened. Even family ties have been broken! 

Because of those reactions a few have decided to keep their opinions to themselves and not speak of anything that might be controversial. And they have found it to be so, so difficult. In those moments we have a sense of what a prophet’s life is like…and many say, “No thanks, Lord, that’s not for me!”

Thought for the Day: How courageous am I in my speech?