People may dream of standing out in the crowd, but in reality, most people prefer to blend in with the masses. Experience tells them that unwanted attention awaits those who leave the safety of conformity. They learn to keep their opinions amongst those close to them, lest embarrassment results from outside criticism.
Christians cannot help but admire the fearlessness of the prophets.
John the Baptist was unflinching in his preaching. He did not fear for his personal safety when he called leaders snakes and adulterers. His absolute dedication to being what God called him to be, cost him his life. Jesus didn’t call John, “The greatest of those born of women,” for nothing.
God called Jeremiah to the unenviable job of preaching to a people whose hearts were immovably set against God. God told him: “Get yourself ready! Stand up and say to them whatever I command you. Do not be terrified by them, or I will terrify you before them” (Jeremiah 1:17).
Like John and Jeremiah, we must be fearless in our proclamation of God’s Word. And like John and Jeremiah, we must accept the outcome of speaking for God. John was killed and Jeremiah was left behind in Jerusalem to lament over the city that he always knew was going to ignore his every word.
The tough, confronting style of these prophets was not considered to be ‘Speaking the truth in love’ then either! But remember, they were speaking to God’s covenant people who knew God’s will but chose to reject it.
Today, I am calling us to a fearless spirit, not a pseudo-righteous outlet for pent-up frustrations. The prophets loved God’s people, and it was that intense love that made them endure scorn and persecution while they preached.
Peter prepared our First Century brothers and sisters for opposition to the preaching of the Gospel:
“Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened” (1 Peter 3:13-14).
John Staiger
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