July 31
Jeremiah 5:20-6:30; 2 Kings 22:3-20; 2 Chronicles 34:8-28
We have been blessed with three new physicians in our group. For the first two weeks, just to see how things work in our office they follow myself or one of the other physicians who have been around for awhile. One of them was surprised at my interactions and remarked that every patient seems to have a sad or troubling story to tell me. Some I prayed with. Others I counseled. Of course this is in addition to tending to their medical needs. Recently, a patient of mine asked me if I ever look at comments about me on social media, to which I told her I never have. She mentioned that most were positive, but some stated they felt that they would prefer that I not bring up God to them in this setting. My long term patient then asked if this would affect what I do moving forward. I explained to her that I always attempt to be sensitive. I ask if one desires prayer before praying with them. If anyone asks me to stop talking about Jesus I respect their request. But, no, I had no intentions of stopping. I explained that God would not have His children refrain from discussing Him. He is our only hope. He is the answer to hurting. He is better than any prescription or surgery that I could offer. For those, and there have been many through the years, that have opened their ears to the gospel message, they have received something far better than anything that I could offer them in the realm of pure medicine. We are all commanded to forth tell. We are to speak forth His message to a people who may or may not want to hear it. This is not a popularity contest, but a matter of obedience, as we answer to Him, not the world.
Jeremiah spoke for forty years, yet was largely ignored. Very few changed their minds or ways based on what he said, and he was largely maligned for what he said. But he remained obedient to the end, no matter the cost. We read in Jeremiah 6:16-20, "Stand in the ways and see, And ask for the old paths, where the good way is, And walk in it; Then you will find rest for your souls. But they said, 'We will not walk in it.' Also, I set watchmen over you, saying, 'Listen to the sound of the trumpet!' But they said, 'We will not listen.'...Hear, O earth! Behold, I will certainly bring calamity on this people - The fruit of their thoughts, Because they have not heeded My words Nor My law, but rejected it. For what purpose to Me Comes Frankincense from Sheba And sweet cane from a far country? Your burnt offerings are not acceptable, Nor your sacrifices sweet to Me." He was a watchmen, but they were deaf and blind to his message. But this did not stop the messenger from delivering the message. He goes on further in 7:27, "“Therefore you shall speak all these words to them, but they will not obey you. You shall also call to them, but they will not answer you."
We don't have to go out with a bullhorn and a sandwich board, though some are called to this. God has lovingly placed each of us in our own unique mission field. As His watchman in this mission field we can either choose obedience or disobedience. There are no caveats to the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20. We are told to move forward in this mission field in His strength, not our own. We are given His words, not our own. We have been blessed by offering His hope, His Son Jesus Christ, not the world's version of hope. Will this be popular? Oftentimes, no, but like Jeremiah, we were not called to worldly popularity. We, who have repented and accepted His loving sacrifice, have been given citizenship in heaven, and as His ambassadors (Philippians 3:20), we are to represent our King.
Messages from Pastor Lloyd Pulley: