Reading: Jeremiah 20:7-13
Reflection:
Have you ever called God a liar? Well, that’s what Jeremiah does in today’s reading. He felt that God has misled him when God had called him to be a prophet. God had not told him that he would be persecuted for speaking God’s word, or that he would not be able to keep silent even if he wanted to in order to protect himself. And so Jeremiah’s life had become very painful and hard. Yet, he continues to trust God and expresses his pain in a prayer of lament, which includes and affirmation of faith and a song of praise.
This kind of prayer is important for us to learn as followers of Jesus. If we truly seek to live as citizens of God’s Reign, we will find that we cannot help sharing God’s purposes and values with others. Sometimes our witness will be welcomed, but sometimes we will find ourselves in conflict with “the powers-that-be” or with those who are invested in the status quo. At these times we will need to reaffirm our faith, and to remember that God is with us, protecting and strengthening us.
How is God asking you to witness to God’s Reign today? How can you reaffirm your faith and commit to praising God even when it gets tough?
Practice for Today:
“Preach the Gospel at all times – use words if necessary,” said St. Francis of Assisi. Jesus called his followers to be his witnesses. This was true for the fishermen who were called first, and it’s true for us. Today, try to embrace a practice of witnessing to Christ – either through Christlike words or Christlike actions.
Breath-Prayer for Today:
Help me to show others your ways, Jesus, in what I do and in what I say.
Serving in any church can be tough at times; serving a church that has split and is still healing is tough a lot of the time. There are days when I wonder, “God, what am I doing in this place? How did I end up here pastoring a congregation that is not even certain it wants to be pastored?” And then I am reminded that I am called, just as each one in this church is called, to follow Jesus. And we are not only to follow Jesus but to witness to the love, mercy, and grace of God evidenced and found in Christ alone. So today, even though the it’s a little tough going, I will choose to praise God with all my heart mind soul and strength; and I will choose to love others as myself. “My heart will choose to say, blessed be His name.”
Thanks for such a great post.
Peace,
Amelia in Minnesota, USA
Thanks Amelia – I am so encouraged by your comment. I resonate with what you’re saying about how tough it can be to stay faithful when things get really difficult. But, by God’s grace, we are able to stay true for the long haul – and that makes all the difference!
Grace
John