Jeremiah 20:9 “Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay.”
Picture with me a well-manicured man who is wearing a $2,000 suit getting into a Learjet and flying to a large U.S. city. When the plane touches down, he is greeted by a crowd of adoring fans before rushing off to a large auditorium filled with six or eight thousand people. As he speaks to the people, they shout words of affirmation. Is this man a rock star or a politician? No, actually he is a preacher! It is amazing that we have more money in churches and a wealth of religious literature today than we ever have in history. This is a stark contrast to what Jeremiah faced when he gave his message.
In verse 9, Jeremiah is finished with preaching. He tried to stop, but you get the impression that his speaking was what God chose for him. We can all learn about preaching this morning, even if you are not a preacher!
First, who is your preaching designed to benefit? Your preaching should be designed to help people, not “rally the troops” or beat up a “straw man” to get supporters to agree with you. Preaching ought not be to enrich yourself or make a name for yourself. One hundred years ago, preachers and lawyers were well respected. As affluence increased, the respect decreased. Respect and affluence are not mutually exclusive, but preaching should not be to benefit self.
Second, we can learn several facts from Jeremiah about preaching that is designed to persuade people. Jeremiah obeyed God’s command, despite their response and his own desire. Jeremiah “called it like it was.” In preaching to persuade people, Jeremiah faced opposition-words like deceived, derision, mocketh, violence, defaming, and revenge are not positive! Although he faced opposition, Jeremiah trusted God. Though outnumbered by the people, he had the resources of the “LORD of hosts” on his side-he was not outnumbered! Finally, Jeremiah also battled himself. He had ups and downs like we all do, preachers included.
If you are a preacher or if you are not, you have been put by God on this earth to convince people that are not convinced of His Truth. Don’t be weary in well doing. We all appreciate getting an encouraging “good job” once in a while; but whether or not you get one, the only “good job” worth living for is the “Well done, thou good and faithful servant” of the Lord Jesus. May God be able to say those words about your life that was lived to convince people!
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