Year of Exposure Day 31: Fearing what other people think will lead to failure.

“Do not be afraid of them [or their hostile faces], For I am with you [always] to protect you and deliver you,” says the Lord.”

‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭1‬:‭8‬ ‭AMP‬‬

We have been discussing how blessing and destruction are based on the treatment of God‘s prophetic word. We have been using the example of Jeremiah as he warned God‘s people (over the span of five kings of Judah) concerning the judgment they would face if they didn’t turn from their evil ways.

When we first began to consider Jeremiah, we referenced the fact that he has become known as the “weeping prophet” because of the great sorrow he expresses repeatedly concerning the people’s refusal to change their ways.

We have also discussed the terrible treatment Jeremiah endured because of the messages he gave.

As you know, nobody wants to hear bad news. In fact, often, although it’s an irrational reaction, we resent the one bringing the bad news. Indeed, in ancient times, it was not uncommon for a messenger bringing bad news from an opposing side, to be killed. Thus, we have the saying, “Don’t kill the messenger.”

In the case of Jeremiah, the One giving him the messages was God. Jeremiah was God‘s messenger, and he was treated terribly because of the messages that he conveyed.

At one point, Jeremiah became overwhelmed with the great resistance and hostility he was experiencing because of the messages he was delivering. In fact, he was in such distress that he tried to hold back the messages, and not give them anymore. But because the message was so strong within him, indeed, because he was committed to his sacred call to deliver a word from the Lord, he found that he must continue to be the dispenser of some very bad news from the Lord.

“When I speak, the words burst out. “Violence and destruction!” I shout. So these messages from the Lord have made me a household joke. But if I say I’ll never mention the Lord or speak in his name, his word burns in my heart like a fire. It’s like a fire in my bones! I am worn out trying to hold it in! I can’t do it! I have heard the many rumors about me. They call me “The Man Who Lives in Terror.” They threaten, “If you say anything, we will report it.” Even my old friends are watching me, waiting for a fatal slip. “He will trap himself,” they say, “and then we will get our revenge on him.” But the Lord stands beside me like a great warrior. Before him my persecutors will stumble. They cannot defeat me. They will fail and be thoroughly humiliated. Their dishonor will never be forgotten.”

‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭20‬:‭8‬-‭11‬ ‭NLT‬‬

As we see in the above scripture, when Jeremiah discovered he could not hold back the prophetic word, he focused his heart and soul on the assurance the Lord had given him, the assurance that the Lord would be with him.

Jeremiah went on to recognize that the Lord always tests the righteous.

“O Lord of Heaven’s Armies, you test those who are righteous, and you examine the deepest thoughts and secrets. Let me see your vengeance against them, for I have committed my cause to you. Sing to the Lord! Praise the Lord! For though I was poor and needy, he rescued me from my oppressors.”

‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭20‬:‭12‬-‭13‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Now, as we see in our opening scripture, Jeremiah’s struggling with the daunting task of speaking words of warning to stiff-necked

people, was a struggle that began even as the Lord called him into service as His mouthpiece.

But, the Lord was having none of Jeremiah’s reluctance, basically telling him to pull up his big boy pants and get over what anybody might think of him.

“But you [Jeremiah], gird up your loins [in preparation]! Get up and tell them all which I command you. Do not be distraught and break down at the sight of their [hostile] faces, or I will bewilder you before them and allow you to be overcome.”

‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭1‬:‭17‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Yes, the Lord told Jeremiah that if he flinched in front of his detractors, he would surely be made ashamed in front of them.

However, the Lord also assured Jeremiah that if he would walk in confident obedience, the Lord would assure victory for him.

“They will fight against you, but they will not [ultimately] prevail over you, for I am with you [always] to protect you and deliver you,” says the Lord.”

‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭1‬:‭19‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Child of God, we can look to the Lord; or we can look to other people. But we can’t try to do both and expect that it will end well. We must unapologetically speak for, and stand for, the Lord.

Peace to you.

Jesus is coming! Get ready for Him!