August 8, 2018
What does it say?
Jeremiah was thrown into a cistern because he faithfully spoke God’s message.
What does it mean?
Jeremiah faithfully spoke God’s message to anyone who would listen, even though the message was not a popular one. The officials quickly dismissed the idea of surrendering to the Babylonians in order to live. They completely rejected the warning that they would die from war, famine, or disease if they tried to defend Jerusalem. Rather than acknowledge the divine nature of the message, they heard it from a human perspective, which made Jeremiah seem like a traitor. Although his life was spared, the elderly prophet paid a high price for preaching the Word of the Lord.
How should I respond?
It’s easy to talk with others when the message you are trying to convey is something they want to hear. In America, we do not experience the same persecution that many Christians around the world face. As a result, we usually lack the same passion to witness. As followers of Christ, we are called to tell those with whom we come in contact what God’s Word says, even though our society generally rejects the message. How will you share God’s Word today with your neighbors, friends, coworkers, and family? You’re not responsible for whether or not they accept the message; just be faithful to give it as He directs.