A Book I'M Reading
At a very young age, he was 'called' and ushered to
the forefront, having very little choice in the matter.
There is much to be said about 'the call', but perhaps
a little taste and a soft touch a bit later will suffice.
In one sense, I could say that he was a flame thrower,
because fiery and enraging words all too often gushed
from his lips. At other times, I could say that he was a fire
fighter, because he fought the flames burning inside of him.
I am reading a book intitled Jeremiah where the
primary characters are kings, prophets, and priests.
The cast are most arrogant, hypocrites, and liars.
Jeremiah, the leading character, is greatly sought after,
not for favorable reasons of notoriety or popularity, but most
often for speaking things unpopular but true nonetheless.
He suffers gravely for his obedience, often coming close to death.
He's hated and ridiculed by most, loved by few, protected by God.
He cries a lot, and between the tear drops, there seems a love-hate
relationship going on with his government and fellow countrymen.
I could feel the heart of Jeremiah and sensed that some of his prayers
were saying, "Lord, do you hear and see as do I? Lord, do something!"
And at the same time, he is also saying, "Lord, forgive and spare your people". To know God is to also know that Mercy triumphs Judgment. Judgment is an 'end-game' of last resort when there is no remedy.
In the area of calling, it reminds me of another recently read book.
To be called and to pursue that calling, is most noble but not glorious.
Jeremiah often preferred to go silent, but felt a compulsion to speak up;
so much so that to refrain was a sorer punishment than was delivering the truth. The most satisfying reward must have been that of being true to self and 'The Caller'.
I hasten to say that many of us easily identify with Jeremiah in so many ways. Our connection and relationship with our government and countrymen are such that cause us to weep and pray as well as become angry and dumbfounded at times. It is unfortunate, but often is the case as with Jeremiah, that we suffer along with the wayward and unrepentant ones. It often rains on the just as well as the unjust. And I might add, that we
sometime stand alone in the rain without umbrellas.
Notwithstanding, may The Lord always ensure that there be an Abraham and a Jeremiah among us. Indeed, even an Abraham who dares to intercede for Sodom and Gomorrah as he appealed to God by saying, "Will not the God of all the earth do right?"* When we know and love God like Abraham, we can be bold and honest with Our Lord.
081221PS *Gen. 18:25
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