Jeremiah 26:10-15 – Stay committed to God no matter what happens.

In earlier verses, we saw how the priests, the other prophets, and the people seized Jeremiah for the prophecy of the outcome of Jerusalem. He told them that God was about to destroy it as He did to Shiloh and remove its inhabitants. Jeremiah 26:10-11  reveal that when the officials of the city learned of it, they quickly went to intervene. They came and sat at the entrance of the new gate in the temple and waited. Then the priests and the other prophets came out to them and in front of the people said, “A death sentence for this man! For he has prophesied against this city as you have heard in your hearing. They were bent on putting Jeremiah to death.  

In verses 12-15, we see Jeremiah’s defense. He did not shrink from proclaiming the truth. He took the opportunity and reiterated what He had said. He told the officials that came from the king’s house that  it was the Lord who had sent him to speak. What he was proclaiming came from God. Then he quickly followed up by calling for them to repent saying, “Now, therefore, amend your ways and your deeds and obey the voice of the Lord your God; and the Lord will change His mind about the misfortune which He has pronounced against you.”

Jeremiah stood firmly behind what he said for he knew he was speaking God’s message. He declared his commitment to the truth he had delivered and stood by it. He was prepared to take what they intended to do to him, even if it meant death. Jeremiah was so firm in his stand. He told his accusers that if they put him to death, they would be guilty of shedding innocent blood. Besides the guilt for the destruction of the city would also rest on them.      

Like Jeremiah to the people at his time, we are God’s redemptive agents in the world today. Like him, we too will face opposition for speaking the truth.  People are often offended by the truth because their flaws are being exposed by the truth. As we share the Good News of Jesus be aware that we run the risk of offending our listeners and may have to face their hostility.  Despite this, we must stand firm and stay committed to the Lord. Take the example of John Elliot who said, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.”