THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2017
RIDICULED FOR CHRIST
-JEREMIAH 20:7-18
KEY VERSE:
"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" (Jeremiah 20:8).
A poet, Criss Jami, in his book entitled, Venus in Arms, said: "The devil is happy when the critics run you off." Our text x-rays the burdens and ridicule of a true believer, which Jeremiah experienced. God gave him a message on the impending judgment against the Israelites, who got swallowed up in sin. God would have punished them long before Jeremiah’s message, but He had a reason for the delay, as "the Lord is... longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9). But Israel took God’s mercy for granted and made mockery of Jeremiah because he presented God’s message against their sinfulness. Unfortunately, Jeremiah became troubled and felt he could abandon the work of God, but every step he took along that line was banging his head against a brick wall. Jeremiah’s situation is not far from what Jesus Christ said: "And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved" (Matthew 10:22). The world will not appreciate the message of salvation nor holy lifestyle because it is at variance with their lifestyle. So, they would resort to ridiculing and persecuting you. Can you, therefore, abandon the work of Christ because of the scorn and sinful children of Adam and Eve? Did Jesus abandon the work of His Father? Did Paul, who received 39 lashes, severally was beaten with rods and imprisoned many times, quit preaching? The Saviour did not promise a trouble-free ministry. Rather, He expects faithfulness and obedience from His disciples. He has promised to be with us to the end. Afterall, His grace is sufficient for you.
Thought for the day: It pays to serve Jesus though it is with persecution.
Bible Reading in one Year: PSALM 89-91
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