[Jeremiah felt ashamed of his own weakness, which was that he did not confide in the promise and strength of God; and GOD’S WORD WAS IN HIM AS A STRONGLY RAGING FIRE, and he was obliged to deliver the word of God, in order to get rid of the torments which he felt from subduing the solemn message which God had given. It is as dangerous to refuse to go when called, as it is to go without a call.] “But if I say, “I will not mention his word or speak anymore in his name,” HIS WORD IS IN MY HEART LIKE A FIRE, A FIRE SHUT UP IN MY BONES. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot.” (Jer. 20:9) [Jeremiah says “Sing unto the Lord” – He was so completely delivered from all fear, that though he remained in the same situations, yet he rejoices in the Divine protection, and does not fear the face of any adversary.] “But the LORD is with me like a mighty warrior…LORD Almighty, you who examine the righteous and probe the heart and mind …for TO YOU I HAVE COMMITTED MY CAUSE. Sing to the LORD! Give praise to the LORD! He rescues the life of the needy…” (Jer. 20:11-13) [Every preacher of God’s word should take heed THAT IT IS GOD’S MESSAGE WE DELIVER to the people. Let us not presume, because it is according to our own belief or confession of faith, remember, it is God’s word!] “The people to whom I am sending you are obstinate and stubborn. Say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says.’ And whether they listen or fail to listen–for they are a rebellious people–they will know that a prophet has been among them. And you, son of man, DO NOT BE AFRAID OF THEM OR THEIR WORDS. Do not be afraid, though briers and thorns are all around you and you live among scorpions. Do not be afraid of what they say or be terrified by them…” (Ezek. 2:4-6) [This is our command from the Lord!] “Then Jesus came to them and said, “ALL AUTHORITY in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore GO AND MAKE DISCIPLES of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS, to the very end of the age.” (Matt. 28:18-20) [Paul gave these instructions:] “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage–with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine…They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, DISCHARGE ALL THE DUTIES OF YOUR MINISTRY.” (2 Tim. 4:2-5)
Be blessed as you praise The Lord, knowing that JESUS SAID WE MUST “TEACH THEM TO OBEY EVERYTHING I HAVE COMMANDED YOU”!
-Bill Stockham
