Jeremiah 15:15-18..““Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart; for I am called by your name, O LORD, God of hosts.” vs. 16
Jeremiah was called to be a prophet about 627 B. C., during the reign of King Josiah. At first he had resisted the call and claimed to be too young, but ultimately as this verse indicates, the Lord’s words became to him a joy and the delight of his heart. This does not mean he loved his work! He discovered early on that speaking truth to power can be a wearisome calling. Other prophets in the king’s court disagreed with his assessment of the country’s future, and they had the king’s ear. Jeremiah became a pariah to his own people and was regularly mocked and insulted for what he dared to say.
That’s still what happens when people are filled with indignation at what is happening in their community or nation. Their passion rips them out of their comfort zone and they begin to speak up instead of being silent. That’s a huge decision because being a prophet is no way to win a popularity contest. Indeed, people have found that in this age of social media and low regard for truth, getting noticed in the public square can open the floodgates to unbelievable false accusations from every direction. The harassment can be intense!
Why do it? Well, as Jeremiah knew, prophets have a calling, and once called, it’s hard to be silent!
Thought for the Day: Where have I seen prophets in action?
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