The Tradeoff

SCRIPTURE:  The word of the Lord came to Jeremiah a second time, while he was still shut up in the court of the guard: “Thus says the Lord who made the earth, the Lord who formed it to establish it—the Lord is his name: Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.”  Jeremiah 33:1-3 ESV

THOUGHT: Sometimes, like Jeremiah the prophet, we can feel like all we have to share is bad news.

It seems to jar against the notion that we’re supposed to be bringing the good news to people, doesn’t it? But God uses the prophetic voice to tell the truth, and the truth about so much that is happening around us right now feels hard, and frightening, and like the Body of Christ needs an alarm. But this devotional isn’t about that. This devotional is about how God gives his prophet good news, a breath of fresh air, a drink of living water – even while he’s shut up in prison for speaking the truth God has given him.

Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known. Consider that promise for a minute. It’s as if God says to Jeremiah, people aren’t going to like what you have to tell them, and you, in fact will suffer for saying it – but between you and I, there will be peace and understanding and friendship and a priceless education about great and hidden things.

It’s a tradeoff.

Jeremiah (and all true prophets of God) speak God’s truth; God shows them great and hidden things they have no way of knowing. Humanly, there is a price for speaking God’s truth, but spiritually there is a priceless relationship developed that gives the speaker more courage, greater faith, and a deeper understanding of God’s ways.

PRAYER: Oh God, put your words in our mouths. Help us care less about our lives and reputations than we do about you, and in that process, answer us when we call to you, draw near and show us things that build our faith and confidence and help us understand your ways.