The Fire Drives Me
Jeremiah 20:7-13
O LORD, thou hast deceived me, and I was deceived: thou art stronger than I, and hast prevailed: I am in derision daily, everyone mocketh me. For since I spake, I cried out, I cried violence and spoil; because the word of the LORD was made a reproach unto me, and a derision, daily. Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak anymore in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay. For I heard the defaming of many, fear on every side. Report, say they, and we will report it. All my familiars watched for my halting, saying, Peradventure he will be enticed, and we shall prevail against him, and we shall take our revenge on him. But the LORD is with me as a mighty terrible one: therefore my persecutors shall stumble, and they shall not prevail: they shall be greatly ashamed; for they shall not prosper: their everlasting confusion shall never be forgotten. But, O LORD of hosts, that triest the righteous, and seest the reins and the heart, let me see thy vengeance on them: for unto thee have I opened my cause. Sing unto the LORD, praise ye the LORD: for he hath delivered the soul of the poor from the hand of evildoers.
Thought For Today:
There were times when Jeremiah might have preferred to be someone else because his responsibilities were demanding a lot from him. These demands affected his relationships, reputation, and possibly even his safety, depending on the actions of others. As a result, Jeremiah was inclined to leave things unchanged. But he couldn't stay still or keep quiet because of the fire burning inside him. He said, " For since I spake, I cried out, I cried violence and spoil; because the word of the LORD was made a reproach unto me, and a derision, daily. Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay."
An individual who is truly guided by the Holy Ghost will not remain passive when witnessing wrongdoing in God's house. They will address the issue, even if it affects their friendships, reputation, or results in a lack of gifts during festive occasions. The internal drive must propel them to act. When we focus on people's actions towards us—whether they follow, favor, respond, affirm, or praise us—we are likely to experience some degree of pain and disappointment. Our sense of peace in our work comes from having a strong and clear sense of purpose. This provides us with affirmation and support, which should be sufficient.
Jeremiah primarily critiqued the religious leaders of his time, including priests and rulers, who were expected to guide God's people toward holiness and contentment. However, due to their pursuit of power and their own moral failings, they lost the credibility and discernment necessary for effective leadership as intended by God. Similarly, in contemporary religious institutions, when immorality and pride are disguised as authority, it results in untreated wounds, escalating sin, the absence of Gospel preaching, and persistent suffering. Therefore, it is only by living a life aligned with His peace that one can effectively lead others to experience His Perfect Peace.
