The Persistence of Jeremiah
Posted: Monday, August 13, 2007
by Richard Miller
Jeremiah 25:3 (New International Version) For twenty-three years--from the thirteenth year of Josiah son of Amon king of Judah until this very day--the word of the LORD has come to me and I have spoken to you again and again, but you have not listened.
For twenty three years, Jeremiah preached the Word of God to people who would not listen. I am amazed at Jeremiah’s persistence and commitment to continue preaching. I think about some of my own efforts and even my church, we actively spread the Word of God over a few weeks and when we don’t perceive any “fruits of our labor", what do we do? We quit and say it isn’t working. We question the approach convinced we have missed a critical piece. I am amazed at how quickly we are willing to throw in the towel.
Jeremiah 1:6 (New International Version) "Ah, Sovereign LORD," I said, "I do not know how to speak; I am only a child."
Jeremiah’s life is filled with hardships, threats on his life and the continual rejection of the message that he delivered. I think we would be safe to assume that Jeremiah more than once wanted to quit. Yet, Jeremiah persisted and keep faithfully preaching the message and obeying God’s call no matter what the outcome.
We need that level of faith and commitment: to share, to follow, to teach when Our Lord Jesus Christ calls. We need to be more concerned about the accuracy of message from the Holy Scriptures then the statistical outcome of the message. We need to move forward believing the truth given in the book of Hebrews, Chapter 11 that our obedience to His calling will produce fruit, but we may not see it. That is the kind of faith that Jeremiah possessed. He followed even when he was reluctant to do so. Jeremiah knew that the Triune God is powerful and capable of using us in all things for His glory. I pray that we may also echo that sentiment as we answer the calling of Jesus Christ.
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Top-level comments on this article: (2 total)Richard, I believe we are re-born learning a language all over again. Some of us are merely puppets acting not on our own but rather being used by our Lord to fulfill what is expected of us. I know myself being re-born I would have quit a long time ago if the strings were cut. Does this make any sense to you?I think the analogy of a loving father that is continually using His eternal possiblities to help guide our lives is more accurate. Our Lord knows where we need to be to find the contentment that only He can provide. It is our willingness to accept that direction and follow that keeps us from cutting the strings. Thanks for the intriguing thought. God Bless. Rick
I believe God granted you these words for your article.....I love it and I love the Lord as well....just wish I could get it rightWe are all struggling to get it right. The amazing thing is that our Lord forgives our shortcomings and welcomes us home to His loving arms. Thank you and God Bless.
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