Saturday, January 28: Jeremiah 28- Speaking the truth.

It is one thing to stand up in a friendly crowd and declare the truth. It’s another to correct a publically miss-spoken word.

In one community where I served as pastor, the local churches hosted a 7-Words from the Cross service on Good Friday. Local pastors would share a 10-minute thought on one of Jesus’ statements as he hung on the cross. People from the town and various churches would attend all or part of the service community. One time when our church hosted the service and I was not present, one of the local speakers spoke something egregiously incorrect with regard to scripture and orthodox Christian faith. (Occasionally but not very often these services were used as a forum for something other than Good Friday thoughts.)

In my absence our elder, who was MC-ing the service, calmly walked to the mic and before he introduced the next element of the service, simply said something like this, “Thank you, sir, for your words. However, I would like to add that we, at this church, do not hold such a position. Instead we hold to the faith passed down through the apostles in the Scriptures which we believe to be the inspirited Word of God.”

In less than two minutes and without rancor or argument, our elder set before the worshippers the orthodox faith. I was exceedingly proud of our elder, his demeanor, integrity and faithfulness to the Lord.

Jeremiah had such an assignment. Hananiah publically prophesied a lie.Jeremiah publically corrected him to his face and in the hearing of all the people.

There are times when duty calls us to stand and be counted. To speak the truth and correct some error, always spoken in love. These times and callings are never easy and typically come with inherent risk. And they come to most of us. It might be in a family setting, work or community setting. Will you, will I speak appropriately for the Lord God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit?

Think about it…

Lord God, give me the courage to stand and the wisdom to speak when You need a voice to correct an error or speak the truth. May I be Your mouthpiece and may what I say and the demeanor in which I say it, bring You Honor. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

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