Jeremiah chapter 26 verses 16-19 (NIV)
Then the officials and all the people said to the priests and the prophets, “This man should not be sentenced to death! He has spoken to us in the name of the LORD our God.”Some of the elders of the land stepped forward and said to the entire assembly of people, “Micah of Moresheth prophesied in the days of Hezekiah king of Judah. He told all the people of Judah, ‘This is what the LORD Almighty says:“‘Zion will be plowed like a field,
Jerusalem will become a heap of rubble,
the temple hill a mound overgrown with thickets.’“Did Hezekiah king of Judah or anyone else in Judah put him to death? Did not Hezekiah fear the LORD and seek his favour? And did not the LORD relent, so that he did not bring the disaster he pronounced against them? We are about to bring a terrible disaster on ourselves!”
Once more Jeremiah was told to deliver a word of rebuke to the people, who yet again refused to listen. Indeed the crowd wanted to have him put to death. But it didn’t sop Jeremiah and he continued to address the crowd. It seems to have led to a change of heart in some of the crowd, who in their turn spoke out in Jeremiah ‘s defence.
It’s a reminder to me to speak out as God directs. As long as I am obedient that’s all that matters, and I can’t expect everyone to accept what I say. Yet, because of obedience, there will be some who will be impacted, and who will turn to God in repentance. Surely that makes taking our stand worthwhile.
Dear Lord,
Thank You for reminding me that our obedience to You makes an impact on the lives of others. Amen.