Like a burning fire.

Jeremiah 20:7-9, O Lord, You have deceived me and I was deceived; You have overcome me and prevailed. I have become a laughingstock all day long; everyone mocks me. For each time I speak, I cry aloud; I proclaim violence and destruction, because for me the word of the Lord has resulted in reproach and derision all day long. But if I say, “I will not remember Him or speak anymore in His name,” then in my heart it becomes like a burning fire shut up in my bones; And I am weary of holding it in, and I cannot endure it.

This sounds offensive, to accuse God of deceit, for in Him there is no darkness: only truth and light. Nevertheless, this the prophets true feelings about his circumstances, even to the extent that he wishes that he had never been born alive! When he speaks the word of the Lord, it is not to “tickle the ears” of the listeners, it is to warn them of impending judgment and severe consequences. Even the people of Nineveh were spared that judgment because they listened to Jonah and repented according to the word of the Lord. Jesus says that we are like Him now, we are not of this world; yet He has not asked that we be taken out of this world, but kept from the evil one. He has given us His word to sanctify us, to make us holy in truth and His word is truth! Are we able to speak the truth in love, no matter what the consequences? Does His word burn within us so fiercely that we are weary of holding it in?

We pray for those who have spoken Your truth in love and are suffering imprisonment, torture and deprivation for their faith, that they may inspire us and that we may be able to count the cost and to speak Your truth in love to those who so desperately need You. May our hearts burn within us as we walk with You and come alongside others!