Jeremiah’s success

November 7, 2007

By William E. Richardson

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I sanctified you … and whatever I command you, you shall speak” (Jeremiah 1:5,7, NKJV).

He never married. As a prophet, he gave warnings his listeners rejected. His peers refuted him. His target audience misunderstood him. Yet, Jeremiah wasn’t a failure.

Jeremiah heard music others didn’t. They weren’t listening for it. While they plugged their ears to it (Jeremiah 7:23,24,27), the young prophet marched to the beat of God’s drum. Jeremiah wasn’t willing to compromise. He sought to fulfill his God-given purpose rather than be popular. He stands tall among God’s faithful followers in the Bible.

Jeremiah knew his God, so he didn’t fear people. He stood in the face of false prophets, survived angry mobs, and endured prison and other forms of persecution. Because Jeremiah was certain he’d heard from God he faithfully spoke for Him regardless of the cost.

He warned Jerusalem of impending siege. He prophesied that the marauders would plunder the temple. With a collective gasp, Jeremiah’s hearers cornered him. They asked how he could possibly give such a fatalistic message (Jeremiah 26:9). His simple answer: God told me to tell you (verse 12).

Jeremiah was human enough to want to quit. He didn’t ask to be everyone’s punching bag. At times he tried to keep quiet the message God gave him. When he did, it burned in his heart to be spoken (Jeremiah 20:9).

Misunderstood. Rejected. Lonely. Many today would call Jeremiah a failure. He wasn’t. He faithfully honored God in how he lived and spoke. God granted Jeremiah the grace needed to carry out a vital mission with eternal consequences.

Perhaps we should be grateful God He doesn’t call many of us to be Jeremiahs. But in a sense, each of us has a similar mission. God does want His followers to sense His guidance and faithfully obey Him, without compromise, without fear of others.

Considering Jeremiah’s true success, do you feel you need to pray any of the following sentence prayers?

• God, please help me clearly hear Your silent words to my heart and faithfully obey them.

• Father, please free me from my inhibitions so I can live and speak for You without fear of people or circumstances.

• Dear Lord, sharpen my vision of how You’re preparing me to succeed, not according to the world’s standards, but according to Your standards.

William E. Richardson is senior pastor of Afton (Iowa) Assembly of God.