Jeremiah and Jonah
I like to think that the good guy ultimately finds success, don’t
you? If I do the right things I should hope for positive results.
Generally, that is true! There are, however, two
contrasting stories in the Bible that teach me that a faithful Christian
must look beyond today or even tomorrow to gauge success. Consider the
lives and ministries of Jeremiah and Jonah.
Jeremiah was called to be a prophet during a turbulent era in Judah. He was faithful to that calling in the most difficult of circumstances, through rejection and outright persecution. The enemies of Judah were ‘at the gate’ but the people would not seek the help of the Lord. For all of his efforts, Jeremiah only lived to see his nation overrun and destroyed.
Jonah was called, too. He was a faithless prophet, running from God, preaching to people who he hoped would be destroyed. And, he saw a national spiritual renewal emerge from his work!
Jeremiah was called to be a prophet during a turbulent era in Judah. He was faithful to that calling in the most difficult of circumstances, through rejection and outright persecution. The enemies of Judah were ‘at the gate’ but the people would not seek the help of the Lord. For all of his efforts, Jeremiah only lived to see his nation overrun and destroyed.
Jonah was called, too. He was a faithless prophet, running from God, preaching to people who he hoped would be destroyed. And, he saw a national spiritual renewal emerge from his work!
Here is my conclusion - the ‘success’ of our work for God cannot be measured in visible results.
There are variables that we cannot see, forces at work outside of our
control. We serve faithfully, trusting God to see what we do, why we do
it, and to provide the richest reward in Heaven. We may not always see
the harvest from our efforts in the season that we expect. Does this
mean God has failed in His promises? Not at all! It reminds us that He
allows us to choose our own path. We can choose life or death.
God urges us to “endure... and keep your eyes on Jesus ... who finished the race.” Eternity’s promise is certain! But still, we need to encourage each other through this day.
passage marries our heavenly calling with the importance of daily faithfulness. "Stick with me, friends. Keep track of those you see running this same course, headed for this same goal. There are many out there taking other paths, choosing other goals, and trying to get you to go along with them. I’ve warned you of them many times; sadly, I’m having to do it again. All they want is easy street. They hate Christ’s Cross. But easy street is a dead-end street. Those who live there make their bellies their gods; belches are their praise; all they can think of is their appetites.
But there’s far more to life for us. We’re citizens of high heaven! We’re waiting the arrival of the Savior, the Master, Jesus Christ, who will transform our earthy bodies into glorious bodies like his own. He’ll make us beautiful and whole with the same powerful skill by which he is putting everything as it should be, under and around him." (Philippians 3:17-21, The Message)
passage marries our heavenly calling with the importance of daily faithfulness. "Stick with me, friends. Keep track of those you see running this same course, headed for this same goal. There are many out there taking other paths, choosing other goals, and trying to get you to go along with them. I’ve warned you of them many times; sadly, I’m having to do it again. All they want is easy street. They hate Christ’s Cross. But easy street is a dead-end street. Those who live there make their bellies their gods; belches are their praise; all they can think of is their appetites.
But there’s far more to life for us. We’re citizens of high heaven! We’re waiting the arrival of the Savior, the Master, Jesus Christ, who will transform our earthy bodies into glorious bodies like his own. He’ll make us beautiful and whole with the same powerful skill by which he is putting everything as it should be, under and around him." (Philippians 3:17-21, The Message)
Are you short on visible results in your work?
Have you planted much and reaped little?
Is your disappointment crushing?
Remember - God knows. God sees. God never forgets.
Here’s a word from the Word. May the Spirit make it alive for us, challenging us to be like Jeremiah, faithful through it all. "I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen. This is a true saying: If we die with him, we will also live with him. If we endure hardship, we will reign with him. If we deny him, he will deny us. If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny himself. Remind everyone of these things, and command them in God’s name to stop fighting over words. Such arguments are useless, and they can ruin those who hear them. Work hard so God can approve you. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth."
Have you planted much and reaped little?
Is your disappointment crushing?
Remember - God knows. God sees. God never forgets.
Here’s a word from the Word. May the Spirit make it alive for us, challenging us to be like Jeremiah, faithful through it all. "I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen. This is a true saying: If we die with him, we will also live with him. If we endure hardship, we will reign with him. If we deny him, he will deny us. If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny himself. Remind everyone of these things, and command them in God’s name to stop fighting over words. Such arguments are useless, and they can ruin those who hear them. Work hard so God can approve you. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth."
(2 Timothy 2:10-15, NLT)
_____________
Faithful, You Are Faithful
Lord, You have shown Yourself to be
Never changing, always faithful.
Lord, You have shown Your heart for me,
The loving touch of a caring Father.
In ev'ry day that passes,
And all the world's distractions,
Through seasons and life's changes,
You always remain faithful-
To me!
With Your
Perfect love, perfect love
Casts out all fear and shows me,
That ev'ry word and promise, to me,
Will be fulfilled, will be fulfilled.
Eoghan Heaslip
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