There is an account included in the passage from Jeremiah today which, according to the New Oxford Annotated Bible, is added “to illustrate Jeremiah’s personal danger and fortunate official support” (NRSV New Oxford Annotated Bible 10th ed., p. 1003 n.).
“There was another man prophesying in the name of the LORD, Uriah son of Shemaiah from Kiriath-jearim. He prophesied against this city and against this land in words exactly like those of Jeremiah…. Then King Jehoiakim sent Elnathan son of Achbor and men with him to Egypt, and they took Uriah from Egypt and brought him to King Jehoiakim, who struck him down with the sword and threw his dead body into the burial place of the common people” (Jeremiah 26:20, 22-23).
Speaking up for God is not always easy. Sometimes it will put us at odds with the culture. Sometimes it will make us seem kooky. Sometimes it will alienate us from friends and family. But the call to be God’s people is not a call to take it easy. God expects more from us. God expects us to risk who we are and what we have for the glory of God’s name, to speak in a strong, clear voice the words that God will give us, and to make sure our actions are consistent with our words. When we do so, when we share God’s message with the world, we act as a beacon of mercy and hope that cuts through the murky atmosphere of apathy and leads others to a better life. What a joyous process in which to be involved, regardless of the danger.
Prayer: Lord, help us to speak your word to the world with integrity and courage that others may hear and believe in you. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment