“The word of the LORD has brought me derision and reproach all the day. I say to myself, I will not mention him, I will speak in his name no more. But then it becomes like fire burning in my heart, imprisoned in my bones; I grow weary holding it in, I cannot endure it.”
Jeremiah 20:8-9
Jeremiah, called to prophesy for the Lord, experiences such persecution and misery that he resolves to stop speaking the Word of God. Yet love for God and His Word burns within his heart until he can keep silence no longer, and so he continues the difficult task of speaking the truth to a hostile and hardened world, regardless of the cost. He, like Jesus, does not accomplish his work with ease but with suffering and tears. Only his love and zeal for God keeps him from giving up.
In the Gospel reading, Jesus rebukes Peter for suggesting that God’s victory can be won without cost. Only by His suffering, death, and resurrection will the sting of death be overcome and the victory won. The followers of Christ must be prepared to suffer and give their lives for love of God. No one will have the strength to do this if their love for God is lukewarm. Only those who are consumed by the passionate love of God, like that which burns in Jeremiah’s bones, those who experience the deep thirst for God that the psalmist describes, and those who have a profound desire to offer everything to the Lord, will be empowered to take up the cross and follow Jesus.
Both Peter and Jeremiah are unlikely heroes in the biblical story. They are fallible, hesitant at times, perhaps reluctant to face suffering as we all are. But what makes them heroic is their perseverance. Despite their moments of fear and failing, they stand up and try again. They continue on the way of the cross even when it seems they can go no further. In the end, with Christ, they are victorious. Because with Christ, even if we die, we shall live forever.
Take courage, never give up, love always, speak the Word of God, and be willing to offer your very life if necessary, “as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God” (Rom 12:1).
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