Devoted to the Propagation and Defense of New Testament Christianity
VOLUME 14
February 14, 1963
NUMBER 40, PAGE 3

Jeremiah Stood Solid

Donald R. Givens

As one turns back through the pages of history he comes upon a man who stood solid for what he knew to be right. That great prophet of old, Jeremiah, was made a laughing-stock by the people because of his messages of doom and destruction upon Jerusalem. He was mocked, scorned and reproached, but still with courageous lips he could say, "And if I say, I will not make mention of Him nor speak anymore in His name, then there is in my heart as it were a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I am weary with forbearing, and I cannot contain." (Jer. 20:9) Here is the vivid description of how the word and the will of God was in Jeremiah's heart as a burning, flaming, hot fire shut up in his bones. He had to speak forth the words of Jehovah. He felt them so keenly and lived them so fully that he could not keep them to himself. He had to preach them to others. God's words were as a burning fire eating away continually in his bones if he tried to contain them.

The question comes ringing, "Are we as Jeremiah today?" Is the Word of God in our hearts as it was in the heart of this great prophet of years gone by? It should be. All of us who are children of God should be so full of the Word of God that it overflows daily.

Christians can gain much from a thorough study of the Old Testament characters. Courage, hope, and many wonderful lessons can be drawn from their lives. One sees how they endured hardships, persecutions and trials. Through a study of them one can see clearly how they overcame temptations and how they stood solid for what was right. The things written in the Old Testament are written for our admonition and example. (1 Cor. 10:11)

There are two outstanding traits of the message of Jeremiah. First, he was a messenger of doom. He prophesied the fall and destruction of Jerusalem. Judah had proved unfaithful and had strayed far away into idolatry. They forsook the true and living God for wood and stone. They had been guilty of religious and moral apostasy. In view of this sad condition, Jeremiah weeps from the beginning of his ministry to the end. He has truly been called the "weeping prophet." He tried in vain to change these wicked people. But they were far too stubborn and satisfied with themselves. They would not repent, thus they fell prey to Babylon.

Secondly, Jeremiah was a messenger of hope. He saw beyond the calamity and present distress, a brighter day for the people of God. He saw a remnant was to be preserved. The restoration from exile and the re-building of the new Jerusalem was foretold by him. Also of greatest importance, Jeremiah saw the Messiah coming and the new covenant for the people of God. He had hope in the midst of doom.

Jeremiah was sorely grieved over the sins of his people. His heart was full of anguish because of their many transgressions. One today must have the same attitude towards sin as this prophet did in Jeremiah 4:19-22. His sorrow was overwhelming him. He wished that his head were waters and his eyes a fountain of tears so that he might weep day and night for his people. (9:1) He realized fully the terribleness of their idolatry and just how far they had strayed from God.

Time and time again one sees Jeremiah wailing over the desolation of his people. Jehovah's flock was being taken captive and his eyes wept sore. (13:17) He begged and pled with the people to repent, to amend their wicked ways, and to trust not in lying words. (7:3-7) He begged them strongly to obey the voice of Jehovah and they would not suffer damnation. But the people were hard-hearted and realized no sins, therefore they only laughed Jeremiah to scorn.

Brethren, what would we do if we were In the condition that Jeremiah found himself? The people ridicule and laugh at us for what we believe and teach. Would we press on and stand on solid ground and continue to teach the Word of God without compromise? Or would we give in and calm down our rebukes against sin and error just to make it easier on our own neck? This is something which every Christian ought to ponder well and long. Are we going to stand solid for the truth in the midst of persecution and scorn? Perhaps too many of us would stumble, mumble, and grumble in this condition. No, one must never fail God. He can give us the same strength and zeal as found in Jeremiah.

Jeremiah relied on and trusted in God. He praised Him day and night. He called God a righteous judge who tries the heart and mind. (11:20) He knew that if Judah were to be delivered from evil it would be by the hand of God. Every Christian ought to realize the power of God as Jeremiah did.

Jeremiah always stood solid for what he knew to be right. He never deviated from the truth. Although he was a laughing-stock, and the people continually mocked him and said he was crazy — he STOOD FIRM for what was right. A wonderful example for us today. Jeremiah always preached the whole Word of God no matter what the consequences. And one can be sure that when he speaks the whole Word of God today — he will be hated and despised and afflicted by many who are not willing to listen, just as Jeremiah of old was.

God gave Jeremiah the solemn instruction that he was not to diminish one single word from the messages which he received. (26:2) All Christians must learn this great truth in our own age. If all preachers and teachers today would speak only what is written in the holy Word of God, leaving no word out and putting no word in — then we can be sure that we are standing on solid ground. But when we begin to add a word here or leave out a word there, we are setting our foot on the road to apostasy.

— 12 Willow Ave., Sault Ste., Marie, Ont. Canada