The Jesus Bible Reading Plan / FIRED UP TO SHARE THE WORD

The Jesus Bible Reading Plan

Day 169 of 365 FIRED UP TO SHARE THE WORD Jeremiah lamented that serving as the Lord's messenger of warning had brought him unending insult and rejection (Jer 20:7 - 8). Yet he could not physically withhold the news of God's impending judgment; the words were like a raging fire within him (v. 9). He could not remain silent about Judah's need to repent and return to the Lord, and the people needed to connect the coming tragedy to God's punishment for their disobedience and betrayal. Regardless of the resulting mistreatment, Jeremiah had no choice but to speak the words God put in his heart. When John the Baptist saw Jesus approaching, he, like Jeremiah, found himself unable to remain silent. With joy John blurted out, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" (Jn 1:29). Similarly, the apostle Paul's life was so radically changed by Christ that he could not keep the gospel to himself (Ac 26:19 - 20). Throughout history, Christ's true followers have experienced the same compelling desire: to tell others that God is real and that a relationship with him is possible through Jesus. Communicating a person's need for the Savior includes highlighting the reality of sin. This message can result in mistreatment when prideful people resist the notion of their sinfulness. Yet, the bad news about sin and the good news about grace through Jesus are too important for Christians to keep to themselves. Jesus, please make your Word like a fire in my heart. I want to share your love! Amen. Jeremiah 20:7-9 NASB 7 O L ord , 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. 8 For each time I speak, I cry aloud; I proclaim violence and destruction, Because for me the word of the L ord has resulted In reproach and derision all day long. 9 But if I say, "I will not remember Him Acts 26:19-20 NASB 19 "So, King Agrippa, I did not prove disobedient to the heavenly vision, 20 but kept declaring both to those of Damascus first, and also at Jerusalem and then throughout all the region of Judea, and even to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds appropriate to repentance.