Saturday April 13, 2024
Theme: “Breaking the good news to the authorities”
Text: Jeremiah 38:1-6
1. Shephathiah the son of Matthan, Gedaliah the son of Pashhur, Jucal the son of Shelemiah, and Pashhur the son of Malkiah, heard the words which Jeremiah spoke unto all the people, saying, 2. Thus saith the LORD: He whoever remains in this city will die by the sword, by famine, or by pestilence; but whoever goes out to the Chaldeans will be saved, his life will be his spoil, and he will live. 3. Thus says the LORD: This city will be delivered to the army of the king of Babylon, who will take it. 4. And the princes said to the king, Let this man be put to death! for he discourages the men of war who remain in this city, and all the people, by making such speeches to them; this man does not seek the good of this people, he only wants their misfortune. 5. King Zedekiah said, Behold, it is in your hand; because the king can do nothing against you. 6. Then they took Jeremiah, and threw him into the cistern of Malchiah the king's son, which was in the courtyard of the prison; they lowered Jeremiah with ropes. There was no water in the cistern, but there was mud; and Jeremiah sank into the mud.
Let's remember:
Certain announcements from God can lead to prison or even death. This is, among other things, the fate reserved for those who love God and serve him. In God there is not only joy that continues; yes, those who have unshakeable faith do not fear painful moments, they brave them and overcome them: life goes on. Jesus is not only savior, he not only delivers; he also commands being Lord. He gives orders to be carried out and we must obey him even when the mission is perilous. Paul listed his challenges in 2 Corinthians 11:23… “I am even more: by works, even more; by blows, much more; by imprisonments, much more. Often in danger of death, 24. five times I received from the Jews forty lashes minus one, 25. three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I I spent a day and a night in the abyss. 26. Frequently on my journey, I have been in peril on the rivers, in peril from bandits, in peril from those of my nation, in peril from the heathen, in peril in the cities, in peril in the deserts, peril on the sea, peril among false brothers. 27. I have been in labor and toil, exposed to many vigils, to hunger and thirst, to many fasts, to cold and nakedness. Here is the list of difficulties of the one who wrote 13 books of the New Testament, under the inspiration of God. Despite the dangers on the road, he was not afraid; we too, announce the good news to the authorities without fearing for our lives. Have a great Saturday. Amen
Alain Louz.-