The Resistance - Day 38
Day 38: Wednesday, March 22
Reading Jeremiah 26
Highlight
This encounter sums up much of Jeremiah’s ministry. Jeremiah, with courage, shares the message of repentance that the Lord has given him for the people of Israel. He’s not just ignored or laughed out of the temple, but hated and plotted against by his own people. Notice who it is that’s primarily opposing his message, “The priests and prophets presented their accusations to the officials and the people. ‘This man should die!’ they said.” (v. 11). The very people who should speak on behalf of the righteousness of God are furious that Jeremiah would suggest that they too need to repent and turn away from their sin. There is a cost to joining the resistance. Resistance implies opposition, the very people that we may expect to be at our side may turn against us. What do you risk to join the resistance? Relationships, influence, financial resources, comfort. Jesus reminds us of this in Luke 14:25-33. Following Him comes with a price and it’s as true today as it’s ever been. The cost may seem diminished to us in our context, but there are believers all over the world who are facing this very same persecution today. We may not face mobs shouting “Kill him!” the way Jeremiah and Jesus did, but if our commitment to Christ hasn’t cost us even our comfort we may need to consider what we’re actually resisting.
More To See
To hear the stories of persecuted believers around the world right now, visit The Voice of the Martyrs at www.persecution.com and consider engaging their Global Prayer Guide which will give you details about the challenges believers face in countries around the world and provide you with specific ways to pray for them.
We Want To Hear From You
It's our hope that this reading plan has been an impactful part of this series for you and we are excited for future projects like it. To help us stay on course, take two minutes to tell us about your experience: TAKE THE SURVEY
Reflection
Every passage in the Bible, including the one you just read, is “...inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.” Let the passage challenge you as you reflect on it, but always cling to the full context of Scripture, which tells us that “There is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.” Praise God!
Prayer
Let the passage we just read guide your prayers. Use the acronym ACTS.
Adoration - Praise God for the truth this passage communicated about him.
Confession - Confess to God the thing that this passage showed you is wrong in your life.
Thanksgiving - Thank God for what this passage taught you was true about you and for the ways He is already helping you to do what is right.
Supplication - Ask God for help to do what this passage teaches to do and accomplish the good works he has for you.
Reading Jeremiah 26
Highlight
This encounter sums up much of Jeremiah’s ministry. Jeremiah, with courage, shares the message of repentance that the Lord has given him for the people of Israel. He’s not just ignored or laughed out of the temple, but hated and plotted against by his own people. Notice who it is that’s primarily opposing his message, “The priests and prophets presented their accusations to the officials and the people. ‘This man should die!’ they said.” (v. 11). The very people who should speak on behalf of the righteousness of God are furious that Jeremiah would suggest that they too need to repent and turn away from their sin. There is a cost to joining the resistance. Resistance implies opposition, the very people that we may expect to be at our side may turn against us. What do you risk to join the resistance? Relationships, influence, financial resources, comfort. Jesus reminds us of this in Luke 14:25-33. Following Him comes with a price and it’s as true today as it’s ever been. The cost may seem diminished to us in our context, but there are believers all over the world who are facing this very same persecution today. We may not face mobs shouting “Kill him!” the way Jeremiah and Jesus did, but if our commitment to Christ hasn’t cost us even our comfort we may need to consider what we’re actually resisting.
More To See
To hear the stories of persecuted believers around the world right now, visit The Voice of the Martyrs at www.persecution.com and consider engaging their Global Prayer Guide which will give you details about the challenges believers face in countries around the world and provide you with specific ways to pray for them.
We Want To Hear From You
It's our hope that this reading plan has been an impactful part of this series for you and we are excited for future projects like it. To help us stay on course, take two minutes to tell us about your experience: TAKE THE SURVEY
Reflection
Every passage in the Bible, including the one you just read, is “...inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.” Let the passage challenge you as you reflect on it, but always cling to the full context of Scripture, which tells us that “There is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.” Praise God!
- What truth does this passage communicate about God? About us? About our world?
- Has God used this passage to highlight something that is wrong in your life?
- What does this passage teach us to do? What is one practical thing you can do to apply this to your life?
Prayer
Let the passage we just read guide your prayers. Use the acronym ACTS.
Adoration - Praise God for the truth this passage communicated about him.
Confession - Confess to God the thing that this passage showed you is wrong in your life.
Thanksgiving - Thank God for what this passage taught you was true about you and for the ways He is already helping you to do what is right.
Supplication - Ask God for help to do what this passage teaches to do and accomplish the good works he has for you.
Posted in The Resistance