The Daily Word: Thursday, October 15th, 2020
Jeremiah 26:1-27:22
2 Thessalonians 3:1-18
Psalm 85:1-13
Proverbs 25:16
For full text click here.
Commentary from Pastor Michael White:
“Thus says the Lord: ‘Stand in the court of the Lord’s house, and speak to all the cities of Judah, which come to worship in the Lord’s house, all the words that I command you to speak to them. Do not diminish a word.’” – Jer. 26:2
God’s instructions to Jeremiah were clear. Stand in the middle of the Lord’s house and speak “all the words that I command you” to everyone who shows up. Just in case Jeremiah wanted to get creative, God stressed one important point: do not diminish a word.
To “diminish” means to make something “seem less impressive or valuable.”[1] God was going to give Jeremiah a message that would be tough to deliver. The people listening weren’t going to like it! But God’s word to His people would be powerful. It would be exactly what they needed to hear to get in line with God’s destiny. Jeremiah’s job seemed incredibly simple: don’t take away from what God is trying to say! Don’t soften the blow. Don’t be so accommodatingly contextual and culturally sensitive that God’s word loses its’ power.
God’s instructions to you are the same as His words to Jeremiah. He has given you something to say! But it’s up to you not to “diminish” the word. Does He want you to share the Gospel with someone today? Is He asking you to stand up for someone who can’t stand up for him or herself? Is there evil at work in your city or your circle of influence that will flee when you have the courage to stand up and say something, without caring what other people think?
Open your mouth, and God will speak.
Then the Lord put forth His hand and touched my mouth, and the Lord said to me: “Behold, I have put My words in your mouth.” – Jer. 1:9
Prayer:
Father, thank You for speaking through me! Tell me what You want me to say. Show me what You want me to do! Help me not to diminish a word, in Jesus’ name.
© Michael D. White, 2020. All rights reserved.
[1] Oxford Languages via Google: https://bit.ly/3nOGtCJ