Jeremiah 26:14 As for me, I am in your hands; do with me whatever you think is good and right.

The greatness of Jeremiah rested on a clear-eyed commitment to God that made him ready for martyrdom. Tradition has it that he was indeed martyred by stoning in Egypt, because he never put his own safety, much less popularity, ahead of obediently speaking what the Lord said to and through him. In modern America, only David Wilkerson comes to mind in that category, and the Lord has already taken him home through a traffic accident. Many preachers seem more concerned with their popularity with people than their approval by God. In a number of countries, however, bold preaching of the Word continues to result in martyrdom, at a pace that has been accelerating since the beginning of the 20th Century. Few American Christians are even aware of that, much less in danger of it because of their own level of obedience to God. The past few years have seen a sharp uptick in open antagonism toward genuine Christianity in America, with even the government getting on board recently. That’s no reason to back down! God is looking for Jeremiahs today who will proclaim His truth in love, regardless of the consequences to themselves or their property. Martyrdom is no fun, on any level, but the eternal rewards are more than worth it, if we have the faith to see it. Nate Saint perhaps said it best, and he was indeed martyred: “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep, to gain what he cannot lose.”

I find myself convicted by the words I have written. I have never faced physical danger, or even the loss of property, because of obedience to the Word of God, but I have been silent at times, not out of love but out of a fear of being disliked. That is my loss, as well as the loss of my potential hearers. When I fail to proclaim the Word of the Lord, then it doesn’t go forth to accomplish that for which God desires to send it. (Isaiah 55:10-11) I am not to judge myself by how people respond to what I say, but by how true I have been to what God has said to me. I know indeed that “The fear of man is a snare,” (Proverbs 29:25) but I get caught in it all too often.

Father, thank You for this strong Word. Forgive me for my timidity. Help me be faithful to You above all, speaking Your truth in Your love so that as many as will may receive it, for their salvation and Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!