Project 119: Hope in the Upheaval | Jeremiah 20
| Project 119 | Dr. Wayne Splawn
“A Fire in our Bones”
Jeremiah faces many challenges during his prophetic ministry. Chief among these challenges is the opposition he encounters from people in positions of power who vehemently oppose the message he is called to proclaim. In Jeremiah 20, we read of the conflict between Jeremiah and Pashur, the priest, who is the chief officer in the house of the Lord. Pashur is so threatened by Jeremiah’s ministry that he beats him and places him in stocks in an effort to silence Jeremiah. However, no amount of persecution can convince Jeremiah to turn back from his calling. Jeremiah does not enjoy the conflict that comes his way and wishes he could be silent. Like all human beings, Jeremiah wants to avoid the suffering and shame that accompanies his prophetic ministry. But the message God has placed in his heart is like a fire in his bones that must come out.
During the Christmas season, it is easy to lose sight of the truth that the gospel we have been given to proclaim is just as controversial as Jeremiah’s message. As we sing familiar Christmas carols, decorate a Christmas tree, gather with friends and family to enjoy delicious food and exchange presents, and hear messages of peace and goodwill, it is easy to forget that Jesus faced opposition from the moment he was born. In Matthew 2, we read of Herod’s response to the news that one has been born who is King of the Jews. Herod does not receive this news as a message of glad tidings and great joy. Instead, he tries to snuff out Jesus’ life by killing all the baby boys in Bethlehem two years and younger. Herod knows there can be only one king in the land, and he has no intention of bowing his knee to Jesus.
Jesus’ entry into the world is a powerful reminder that we can’t save ourselves. Each of us has sinned and fallen short of God’s glory, and the only remedy for our sickness is to acknowledge our sins, place our faith in Jesus Christ, and submit to his lordship in our lives. We, and everyone who would partake in the eternal life Jesus came to secure on our behalf, must repent and give up our thrones.
It is likely that each of us knows someone who has not yet embraced Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord. And, we are likely tempted to shy away from the opportunities the Lord will give us in this season to share the good news of the salvation God has made possible to everyone who will confess their sins and embrace Jesus’ lordship in their lives. We know the message isn’t popular with everyone, and some will even oppose it. However, we also know that abundant and eternal life is only found in him. May the Lord make this message of salvation like a fire in our bones. Rather than being silent, may the Lord use us to share the news of the greatest gift anyone could ever receive regardless of what such a proclamation might cost us.