We discussed Moses avoiding the call of God, and the (in)famous attempt of Jonah to duck the call, This week we’ll cover a similar situation — not avoiding the call, but not exactly thrilled about the assignment either.
Jeremiah.
Who could blame Jeremiah for not wanting to speak in the Lord’s name? Chapter 38 finds Jeremiah minding his own business, speaking the Lord’s word, which wasn’t exactly well-received by the king. The response? Toss him in a pit, where Jeremiah sinks in the mud.
Not cool, guys.
You might think with responses like that — and watching the nation you love slip away — you might just want to keep your mouth shut. After all, nobody’s listening anyway. Well, Jeremiah thought the same thing.
Then I said, “I will not make mention of Him, Nor speak anymore in His name.” But His word was in my heart like a burning fire Shut up in my bones; I was weary of holding it back, And I could not. (Jeremiah 20:9 NKJV)
Even when he wanted to, the call was so strong he simply couldn’t ignore it.
It’s truth which matters, not popularity. Many people don’t like truth, and attack any person proclaiming something they don’t want to hear. That’s the problem from Jeremiah’s time, and the same disease infects our discourse as well.
As John Loeffler says “I won’t sit down and I won’t shut up.” It’s time for the timid attitude of Christians to end. Be polite, be courteous, but speak the truth. It won’t be popular for sure, but truth isn’t a popularity contest.
If you follow politics, you’ve noticed swinging polls recently. Why? With the country where it is, and the unemployment, inflation, and so on, this election should be similar to the Reagan/Carter election, but it likely won’t be. Why not?
This is the first post-issue election in history.
Issues and truth don’t matter anymore. Many pundits claim this will be the nastiest election in history (and they’re right) but they miss the reason why — issues and truth no longer matter. It’s not simply spin (putting the facts in the best possible light for your side), it’s a total abandonment of truth — the only question is can the idea be sold?
The only tactic some groups employ will be throwing mud, and if enough sticks it might provide victory. The antidote remains simple: speak the truth, and realize it won’t be popular. With a bit of luck, truth will convince people.
It’s a post-issue election, as truth, integrity, and honesty are tossed out the window. Where are you? Will you stay in the game and help speak the truth, even if it’s not popular? Or will you stay on the bench?
Jeremiah stayed in the game.
What’s holding you back right now? After all, it’s 2:59 AM.