March 7
One of the most profound and yet least known verses found in the entire word of God is located in the little known and less read Lamentations of Jeremiah. In chapter 3 and verse 37 we read, “Who is there who speaks and it comes to pass, unless the Lord has commanded it.” For decades it seems I have always gone against the traditional grain of Christianity speaking out against preaching that is in direct and unveiled violation of God's word. I have spoken boldly and without wavering those things God has told me to speak. When I got saved, nearly 38 years ago, I was so intent on knowing His will that I read, reread, and continue to reread his entire word several times each year. His word is buried so deeply and so indelibly on my heart and in my soul that I immediately recognize when someone misuses or misquotes any part of it; and when I hear a preacher do that, I am compelled to tell him (James 3:1).
Every single one of the ancient prophets were outcasts to the religious system of their day. They continually stood against what the religious leaders were preaching. They spoke things few were willing to speak. They spoke the truth, no matter what the personal consequences were. In most cases, the bible doesn’t tell us much about the consequences of their behavior on their wives, so it's a little difficult to know how they responded to the ministry of their husbands. If they had to suffer the kinds of things my wife has had to suffer for over 30 years as a result of my actions, I’m sure their reward in heaven will be great. We don’t know all of them were married, but we do know some were. I recently wrote a blog discussing how important it is to speak the truth, even when people don't want to hear it. I also suggested the one who speaks the truth is the one who truly loves those to whom he speaks. I noted that love does not allow a friend to jump off a cliff believing a magic parachute will open and save him. One who truly loves warns a friend when it's obvious the stick in his hand is dynamite, not a carrot. Proverbs 27:6 tells us, “Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but deceitful are the kisses of an enemy.”
I have recently said things that have temporarily alienated over a dozen brothers and sisters in Christ from my wife and me. They are angry with me and have called me everything but a friend,; but, I can no more stop saying and writing the things God has told me than a sheep could stop following his master. I write these blogs so anyone interested in reading the things God has told me from His word can read them and become informed and biblically literate.
Perhaps one day, when I have gone to be with Jesus, someone will actually read them and get saved. If that happens, it will all have been worth the pain and agony that accompanies losing friends who find the truth so unpalatable. A verse from Amos comes to mind, "A lion has roared! Who will not fear? The Lord GOD has spoken! Who can but prophesy?" (Amos 3:8) I know I am even less of a man than was Amos. He was a poor shepherd. I am a really poor retired cop, school teacher, and truck driver. I haven’t a donkey’s clue in a stable why God would choose to allow me the privilege of speaking His word to anyone. But when He tells me to speak, I am compelled to do so. If that offends someone, so be it. Jesus warned his followers men would be offended with the truth. Paul warned Timothy in the last days people would only want to have their ears tickled (II Tim. 3:1-7; 4:3). Jeremiah sent Baruch with God's word into the temple to read it to the Jews because he (Jeremiah) was restricted form entering the temple anymore (Jer. 36:5-8). When Paul was arrested, many of his closest confidants deserted him (II Tim. 4:10-16). Jesus' closest followers deserted Him in His greatest hour of need. He knew what was in the heart of man, but he went to the most agonizing death on the cross in our place anyway (Rom. 5:8).
Human beings are frail creatures, prone to do evil. It is a fact we would be well served to recognize. They are also very much like pack animals at times. Most can't stand up for anything if it means standing alone. God made us to enjoy the company of those with whom we are likeminded. But He also told us we will sometimes only have His assurance that we have done that which is pleasing to Him; and He will always cause it to work out for good (Rom. 8:28). Now go and tell someone what great things He has done for you today.
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