10-07-26
Jeremiah 15:19 NASB95 Therefore, thus says the LORD, “If you return, then I will restore you— Before Me you will stand; And if you extract the precious from the worthless, You will become My spokesman. They for their part may turn to you, But as for you, you must not turn to them.
When a person becomes a proclaimer of God's word, there is a danger of softening those words so the hearer will not be offended about their sin. This danger becomes even greater when the person cares for and even loves the hearers whom they are appointed to deliver the message to. They can also suffer because of the struggles they find themselves in due to the boldness by which they preach. The latter was certainly the case for Jeremiah.
Jeremiah was tired; he was worn down, and he loved the people to whom he had been called to preach. Therefore, his suffering at their hands had begun to wear him down. Without noticing, Jeremiah was starting to drift toward the people and their sin and away from God. He was complaining about his suffering while being good.
The people had been harsh to Jeremiah, and perhaps he didn't want to be mistreated again. Whatever the cause, God was revealing to the prophet that he had strayed in his complaining, and he must return to God. Therefore, thus says the LORD, “If you return, then I will restore you— Before Me you will stand.
He reminds Jeremiah that his responsibility is to deliver a bold message that reveals the need for repentance, and then to guide the people in the process of turning back from their sins and returning to God, even if that means he suffers at their hands. In so doing, he will see some return to God. The text says, "And if you extract the precious from the worthless, You will become My spokesman."
Jeremiah finds himself living the path that the people most often take. This is often the life of a person who proclaims the word of God. God tells Jeremiah, You come back to me and this will reveal to them that they must do the same.
Often he was in this situation strictly because of the living sacrifice Christians are called to be. However, this time it was because he had followed them toward sin and away from God rather than bringing them to God. This is why God says, "They for their part may turn to you, But as for you, you must not turn to them."
There are lessons in this for everyone. First, even strong proclaimers of the Word struggle with temptation. So encourage them to remain strong and bold in their service. Second, God is the judge before whom everyone will stand. Third, remain close to God by studying His word and spending time with Him. Otherwise, you will stray. Fourth, a strong witness will guide people in the way of repentance. Fifth, a weak witness can turn you toward sin and cause you to follow sinful people. Sixth, if it can happen to one of the great prophets, it can happen to you. So be ever vigilant in your walk and proclamation. Last, God desires all to repent and come to Him.
Our application for today:
Live your life with bold, godly proclamation, standing firm in the presence of God. Then, when suffering for God, you reveal the greatest love a man can show, because it doesn't show you; it shows Jesus.
Love, Brother Scott