ESOCS Devotional 8 May 2022
TEXT: JEREMIAH 36:1-8
MEMORY VERSE: “Perhaps even yet they will turn from their evil ways and ask the Lord’s forgiveness before it is too late. For the Lord has threatened them with His terrible anger.” Jeremiah 36:7 NLT
0 And the apostles, when they had returned, told Him all that they had done. Then He took them and went aside privately into a deserted place belonging to the city called Bethsaida. 11 But when the multitudes knew it, they followed Him; and He received them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who had need of healing. 12 When the day began to wear away, the twelve came and said to Him, “Send the multitude away, that they may go into the surrounding towns and country, and lodge and get provisions; for we are in a deserted lace ”
Jeremiah the weeping prophet was a political prisoner. He had committed no crime, except to speak out against the wicked deeds of the king and other leaders of his day. For this, he was declared anti-government, and cast into prison. Even while in prison, he continued to issue God’s word of warning to the political leaders in the nation.
Rather than praying that those who persecuted and cast him into prison should die, he continued to send across God’swords to his enemies. He sent for Baruch, thus: “I am a prisoner here, and unable to go the temple” He pleaded with Baruch to help deliver his messages to the church. What a loyal and caring prophet? Note, his prison ordeal did not discourage him from his services to God and man – even to his enemies.
The treatments given to Jesus at the foot of the Cross were even far worse; yet, He continually pleaded for mercy and pardon: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34 KJV). This act of the Master at Calvarysupports one of His teachings on the Mount,
which prophesies blessedness for those who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness. The kingdom of Heaven belongs to such people (Matt. 5:10). St. Paul reflected on this Christ-like attitude from a slightly different perspective. In Rom 8:38-39, he did not see anything that could separate him from the love of God. Nothing was fit enough to deter him from serving God and man. Neither threat to life, nor hunger, nor principalities, nor powers. Not even death, or peril.
So, child of God, stop complaining, stop protesting. The Christian priesthood, and by extension Christian living in general, is associated with persecution – even painful ones. Brace up and continue in ministry. The end is what matters.Only remain faithful and steadfast, awaiting the Lord’s return.
- Reflecting on your Christian ministry challenges, list out those uncomfortable experiences that make you feel like backing out. Pray for God to continue to sustain you.
- Dear Lord, I need to work like you did – not wishing my persecutors to die or suffer. So help me God.
Read Other ESOCS Devotional here
FURTHER READING: 2 Samuel 19:31-43; Mark 14:12-31; James 3:1-12
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ESOCS Devotional 8 May 2022
