“Tell It As It Is, Do Not Hold It Back!

“Tell It As it Is; Do Not Hold It Back!”(Jer.20:7-13).
Prophet Jeremiah revealed so much about himself through his self-analysis and self-criticism. Quite often he expressed his anguish of spirit, such that he is justly called “the weeping prophet.”
Within his prophecies are six confessions in which he exposes “the deep struggles of his inmost being, and sometimes making startling statements about his feelings towards God.”
Today’s text is a part of the sixth confession in which he opens stating:“O LORD, you deceived me, and I was deceived; You overpowered me and prevailed. I am ridiculed all day long; everyone mocks me…” The prophet went down memory lane to the day of his calling. He had tried to resist the call by arguing that he did not know how to speak and that he was still a child. But God had assured him, “…You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid…I am with you and will rescue you…”(Jer.1:6-7)
The word of God that Jeremiah had to pass on was not coated with sugar. It was not a promise of abundance of milk and honey either! Each time he spoke, he proclaimed violence and destruction which brought him insult and reproach all day long.
But if he chose not to speak again for the LORD, the word of the LORD remained in his heart like a fire and he was weary of holding it back.
Jeremiah’s prophetic ministry was very trying. His life was always in danger until his forced exile to Egypt. Even so, his prophecy about the Babylonian exile and its duration came to pass and was also an inspiration to Daniel while he himself was in Babylonian captivity(Dan.9:2).
Despite the challenges, the prophet gives us this reassuring message which any persecuted child of God should hold on to: “But the LORD is with me like a mighty warrior; so my persecutors will stumble and not prevail. They will fall and be thoroughly disgraced; their dishonour will never be forgotten…”
So therefore my friend, there is need to “Sing praises to the LORD! Give praise to the LORD! He rescues the needy from the hands of the wicked.”
History rumours hold that Jeremiah was stoned to death while he was in exile in Egypt. The courage to speak truth to power and also to challenge the false prophets who say peace, peace, when there is no peace is still a determinant for prophetic authenticity.
The Lord Jesus Christ passed through the same ordeals right to the cross of shame. But like Jeremiah, the message of salvation for which the Lord Jesus Christ died speaks to us even now: Repent from your sins and return to the LORD! Reform your ways! Let this ring like a bell all through this Day Nineteen of Lent 2023.
Prayer: LORD thank you for being with me like a mighty warrior. Amen!
Have a blessed day! Peace be with you!
Rev Babila Fochang.