Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Facing Their Faces


The prophet Jeremiah lived in dark days.  His nation was largely in rebellion against God and His precepts.  The last thing they wanted to hear was someone declaring that they were wrong before God.  This is exactly what God called Jeremiah to declare.  Jeremiah knew the possible consequences he would face by speaking such an unpopular message, and he knew the fear of facing a rebellious crowd.  God comforted him with these words, “do not be afraid of their faces, for I am with you to deliver you.” (Jer. 1:8)  
Jeremiah became known as the “weeping prophet”.  He wept over the sins of his countrymen.  He wept over the impending judgment of God upon his nation.  But even his tears of sincerity would not turn back the sinful hearts of his friends and neighbors.  He faced their faces with tears in his eyes and pleaded with the people to cease calling that which was good evil, and that which was evil good.  How did Judah respond?  They attempted multiple times to kill him.
Jeremiah preached the importance of true worship instead of false religion.  He called for true social justice according the dictates of God’s word.  He proclaimed the importance of loyalty to God rather than alliances with the world.  Jeremiah’s message still rings true today.
We are a nation that has largely rejected God.  Our countrymen are attempting to offer new and acceptable definitions to those things which God has declared to be sinful.  Our cities and church gatherings are filled with false religion instead of true worship of the Holy One.  We have sought social equality in a way that rejects divine justice.  Our nation has emphasized likeness with the world over loyalty to the one true God.
The great need of the hour in America is people who are willing to stand and speak God’s word prophetically and lovingly.  Blessed be the ones who stand with an open Bible and tears in their eyes as they declare the timeless truth of the immutable God.  May we not be afraid of their faces, for the Lord is with us.  We will be held responsible for our faithfulness to do so and the people will be responsible for how they respond.

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