Does God ever lead us onto difficult paths? Does He send us into conflict and expect us to be faithful even at the expense of our happiness? Our reading this week is in Jeremiah. (20 and 26) Called to speak for God to the nation of Judah just before their defeat and destruction by Babylon, Jeremiah encountered the resentment of his peers for what many considered to be an “unpatriotic” message. Over the course of his ministry he was mocked, resented, threatened, criticized, and arrested. As I study this week, I will measure my own willingness to speak truth when it is unpopular–even unpopular with other believers. (Most of Jeremiah’s opposition came from within “the church.”) I will remember Paul in conflict with the Judaisers. I will think of the criticism of the Pharisees and the courage of Christ. Sometimes we can have peace OR progress. One. Not both. I will be praying for you this week. It is a privilege to be your Pastor. Don
