February 18: UNDILUTED TRUTH IS UNPOPULAR

Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.” Jeremiah 1:4-5

The book of Jeremiah contains a series of heartfelt sermons that are arranged neither chronologically nor thematically. Known as the “weeping prophet,” Jeremiah labored for well over four decades, bathing his harsh messages in tears of compassion. His Judean countrymen were following the path of their fallen brethren, the former nation of Israel.

Jeremiah’s call into service had been determined by God before his conception and birth. The priestly family into which he was born was situated in the city of Anathoth, about 2.5 miles northeast of Jerusalem. The Levitical priesthood involved training from childhood for holy service. Jeremiah’s childhood had been a happy time of preparation for priestly duties. But here he presents his “credentials” for being a prophet as a direct commission from the LORD, readily admitting his sense of unworthiness that initially caused him to push back against the call: Then said I: “Ah, Lord GOD! Behold, I cannot speak, for I am a youth.” (v.6)

The Omniscient One saw Jeremiah as one who would remain faithful to his calling, even against great opposition in high places. Right out of the gate, every one of us should take encouragement from Jeremiah’s example. His messages land squarely upon the very setting in which God’s people in the last days find themselves. Jeremiah was filled with hope that the reformation begun under good King Josiah* would bloom into a permanent spiritual revival. And though the nation of Jews, as a nation, failed in the purpose that God had given them, there were individuals who did indeed recognize their Savior and go on to preach the message of salvation to a world that was searching. As they carried truth’s torch forward, under the guidance and power of the Holy Spirit, the followers of Christ learned and grew in the knowledge of Him—and they were obliged to unlearn a few things as well.

God assured Jeremiah that he would be strengthened, like a fortified city, an apt reminder of his heavenly citizenship. The frowning faces of his listeners would glare and scowl at him, but he was not to be intimidated. The LORD makes it clear that leaders, both political and religious, as well as the trending attitude of the public, will not welcome the biblical message that he delivers. Beloved, can you relate? Undiluted truth will never be popular.

“Therefore prepare yourself and arise, And speak to them all that I command you. Do not be dismayed before their faces, Lest I dismay you before them. For behold, I have made you this day A fortified city and an iron pillar, And bronze walls against the whole land—Against the kings of Judah, Against its princes, Against its priests, And against the people of the land. They will fight against you, But they shall not prevail against you, For I am with you,” says the LORD, “to deliver you.” Jeremiah 1:17-19

*“The reformation under Josiah had cleansed the land of the idolatrous shrines, but the hearts of the multitudes had not been transformed.” Prophets and Kings by Ellen G. White (p.410)