Jeremiah 42

“So Jeremiah the prophet said to them, ‘I have heard. I will now pray to the Lord your God according to your words, and every word that the Lord answers you I will tell you; I won’t withhold a word from you.’” Jeremiah 42:4 (HCSB)

We are living in desperate times here in the United States. More and more, the values that built our nation (primarily Judeo-Christian values) are being redefined and presented to us as if they have evolved into something Worldly to become more inclusive and tolerant. And I am amazed at how few followers of Jesus are standing up to lend a prophetic voice to our generation. Sadly, many align themselves with the World, standing against believers who adhere to God’s Word.  

Other believers are so afraid of being rejected by friends, family, and neighbors. So, while they may have Biblical answers, they withhold from sharing the whole counsel of God. In seeking not to offend people, they have no problem offending God by rejecting His directive to be His voice, even amid persecution. It may surprise you to hear that this season of history does not surprise me. The Lord told us this season would come.

“I solemnly charge you before God and Christ Jesus, who is going to judge the living and the dead, and because of His appearing and His kingdom: Proclaim the message; persist in it whether convenient or not; rebuke, correct, and encourage with great patience and teaching. For the time will come when they will not tolerate sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, will multiply teachers for themselves because they have an itch to hear something new. They will turn away from hearing the truth and will turn aside to myths. But as for you, be serious about everything, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:1-5 (HCSB)

The days of Jeremiah were not unlike what we are facing today. The people approached Jeremiah and asked if he would seek the Lord on their behalf, and Jeremiah agreed. But the Word of the Lord will always be at odds with compromise. God does not negotiate unless your negotiation involves surrender. At that point, you are not negotiating as much as you are aligning yourself with His Word with no further resistance.  

God’s response was gracious yet unwavering: If you will repent, I will relent. Does that mean God changed His mind? Absolutely not! God’s intent has always been clear: Follow Him, and He will bless you. Depart from Him, and He will rebuke your rebellion. When people humble themselves and return to the Lord, it is they who have changed, not God.  

Sadly, the people of Jerusalem chose to reject the Lord’s message through Jeremiah. Will the same be said of the United States? In many ways, it all depends on people like you, who must be determined to seek, obey, and share God’s Word.