A Vital Message
…his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot.
Jeremiah 20:9
God calls people in every generation to proclaim His truth. Noah preached righteousness. Moses proclaimed God’s laws. Paul carried the gospel to the Gentiles. Jonathan Edwards, Charles Spurgeon, and Billy Graham have boldly proclaimed the truth of Jesus to recent generations.
Prior to Judah’s Babylonian captivity, God called Jeremiah to proclaim His truth. God’s message became like a fire burning within that could not be contained. Jeremiah boldly spoke the hard truths given to him by God, proclaiming Judah’s lack of repentance and devotion to God would result in destruction, death, and captivity. He proclaimed God’s coming judgment so that some who had rejected God might hear, repent, and be saved.
What difficult truth from God’s word is burning within your soul and needs to be shared with someone today?
As Jeremiah proclaimed God’s truth, false prophets proclaimed that which “tickled the ears” of the people. Their message was of peace and prosperity, a pleasing message to hear. They distorted God’s word and spoke the delusions of their minds. (Jeremiah 23:26, 36)
Today, many are distorting God’s word and proclaiming a message designed to please. They speak only of God’s love, not His judgment to come. They emphasize the peace and blessings of God, but omit the need for repentance from sin.
God told Jeremiah, Tell them everything I command you; do not omit a word. Perhaps they will listen and each will turn from his evil way (Jeremiah 26:2-3).
Proclaiming all of God’s truth is an act of love. Without knowledge of sin’s consequences or knowledge of God’s coming judgment, those apart from Jesus will see no need for a Savior. Who needs to hear God’s truth today so that they might be saved? Will you join the voices that have gone before you and boldly, yet lovingly proclaim salvation through Jesus Christ?
Lord, boldly speak Your truth through me to those who need to hear.
Jan Burkhart
