The Jews in Jerusalem really, really, really didn’t like the prophet Jeremiah. But Jeremiah loved God’s people. He cared enough about them to tell the truth, even though the listeners hated what he had to say and wanted him dead or in jail. Sometimes God asks us to do difficult things, but not doing it is harder. Wise servants first decide to obey God. Second, they decide to obey even if no one else will.
This is what the Lord says:
“Stand at the crossroads and look;
ask for the ancient paths,
ask where the good way is, and walk in it,
and you will find rest for your souls.
But you said, ‘We will not walk in it.’”
What is your reaction when someone gives you negative feedback or tells you that you’ve done something wrong?
Jeremiah was a traveling bad news show. Everywhere he went, he delivered bad news: telling what bad things the people had done, what bad things they were doing now, and what bad things God would do to them in the future if they didn’t repent and turn to Him. There are certainly a lot of bad things happening in our world today we could talk about. But why not focus on what good things you see God doing in your community or in your family? Create a “good news show” to tell people about the good things that have happened. Pretend to be a TV news anchor and tell the news from your news desk or go out on the street and make a report. Record your good news stories and show them to friends and family to be an encouragement to them. End your story with Jeremiah 17:7–8 (hint: it’s good news!).
Dear God, I want to serve You. Give me the strength and determination to obey even when other people may try to stop me. Amen.