Week 1
Jeremiah 15:20 “I will make you to this people a fortified wall of bronze; they will fight against you, but they shall not prevail over you, for I am with you to save you and deliver you, declares the Lord.”
There were two certainties in Jeremiah’s ministry as he sought to faithfully and steadfastly proclaim the Word of God. The first is that he would most assuredly be attacked, opposed, and discouraged by antagonism against him. The second is that God was with him to strengthen him and to enable him to endure well that he might finish his divine task.
It is a mistaken notion to think that if someone is seeking to serve the Lord, that his or her life will be easy, and that he or she will always be loved and appreciated by those to whom he or she gives ministry. In fact, and in truth, the exact opposite usually happens. The servant of the Lord cannot quietly assume that all is well and doesn’t need encouragement and help. It is part of the human nature to rarely if ever say something nice to someone who is working hard for the Lord. However, it is also part of the human nature for those who are cantankerous to look for faults and to talk behind the back or even criticize the Lord’s servant to his or her face. Some even seek to sanctify their judgmentalism with a false holy motivation, stating that they are only trying to help out by their criticism.
Working for the Lord is wonderful beyond compare! It is an incredible privilege to proclaim God’s Word and the gospel of Christ to others. It is a holy endeavor to serve the Lord by serving others in Christ’s name. But be sure of this – those who serve the Lord will be (without fail) opposed, criticized, and attacked for their service. Jeremiah knew this very well, and so does everyone who seeks to follow and serve Christ.
But the second certainty in ministry is that the Lord is always with us in our service, and He will bless us, use us for His kingdom work, and reward us with eternal joys to compensate our pain and sorrow in His field of labor. The Lord said to Jeremiah that He (the Lord) would strengthen Jeremiah, the Lord would undergird him, and the Lord would give Jeremiah the power to endure and serve well. Every Christian worker, pastor, and servant gives testimony to this divine blessing from the Lord. Were it not for the Lord’s grace, we would crumble under the heat of the evil onslaught and assault of our day. Satan will not miss an opportunity to bombard with hate and protest anyone who seeks to serve Jesus Christ.
Christian friend, as the Lord stood by Jeremiah, the prophet, He will also stand by you. Be faithful and continue to look to Him who gives us everything we need for our service in His kingdom.
Prayer: Dear Lord, please grant that I may serve You well. And please give to me the grace to stick to the task to which You have called me. Amen.