Don't Kill the Messenger

Click Here to Read or Listen to the One Year Bible Daily Lessons

7 The priests, the prophets, and all the people listened to Jeremiah as he spoke in front of the Lord’s Temple. 8 But when Jeremiah had finished his message, saying everything the Lord had told him to say, the priests and prophets and all the people at the Temple mobbed him. “Kill him!” they shouted. 9 “What right do you have to prophesy in the Lord’s name that this Temple will be destroyed like Shiloh? What do you mean, saying that Jerusalem will be destroyed and left with no inhabitants?” And all the people threatened him as he stood in front of the Temple.Jeremiah 26:7-9 

Jeremiah is one of the most faithful prophets in Israel's history. He prophesied to the priests and leaders before God sent the Babylonians to invade the Southern Kingdom, with its capital in Jerusalem. Jeremiah was faithful to deliver God's Word, even when he knew it might cost him his life. He had an "Audience of One." 

The animosity toward him was so great that they yelled, "Kill him" Sometimes when we give an unpopular message from the Lord, people don't want to hear it. When they are convicted of their sin, it makes them angry that someone is calling them out. The leaders and the people had two choices. Either they could repent of their sinful behavior, including the worshipping other gods. Or, they could dig their heals in and refuse to repent and turn from their abominable behavior.

As we know from later in history, they chose the latter, which caused great loss to the people of their lives and land. They went into exile. As the leaders go, so go the people. Being a leader who preaches the Word, even when it is unpopular, is a very lonely place. Even those closest you might betray you. Altough we say, "Don't kill the messenger!", it often happens.

The greatest example of this is Jesus. His mission was to reveal God's love, mercy and grace. Three years after his ministry began, the Pharisees, priests, and even the people cried, "Crucify Him!" They killed the messenger, but fortunately the messenger rose from the dead 3 days later.

Now we have been given the message, which we call the Good News. It can be very unpopular message today, and it convicts them of their sin and worship of other gods. As messengers of the Good News, people might even try to kill the messenger.  

Where is God calling you to be courageous like Jeremiah? Though you may not be well received, Your Father in heaven will be pleased with your obedience to Him! Jesus will proud of you for you have chosen to be his ambassador of the Good News! 


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