Willingness & Openness.
The Lord again speaks to Jeremiah through something practical. He tells him to take a potter's flask and invite the elders of the people to go with him.
As the elders gather, the Lord tells Jeremiah:""Then you shall break the flask in the sight of the men who go with you, and say to them, 'Thus says the LORD of hosts: "Even so I will break this people and this city, as one breaks a potter's vessel, which cannot be made whole again; and they shall bury them in Tophet till there is no place to bury." Jeremiah 19:10-11
Having been on both sides of the aisle, having to give a difficult word and having to receive a difficult corrective word, I imagine this was not easy for Jeremiah. Yet consider how much more difficult it must have been knowing that he was delivering this message to an entire nation.
This judgment did not come without warning. It came after years of rejecting the Lord, turning to false gods, and walking in disobedience. God had repeatedly called His people to repentance, but they continued to harden their hearts.
Still, this passage raises some questions for us to consider.
Am I willing to speak a difficult truth when God calls me to do so?
Am I willing to receive a corrective word when it is consistent with God's Word and the Lord uses it to expose something in my heart?
Neither of these things are easy. It is difficult to speak truth when we know it may not be well received, and it is equally difficult to humble ourselves when we are the ones who need correction.
But Scripture calls us to both courage and humility. We should not be quick to assume that every difficult word is from God, but we should be willing to listen, test what we hear against His Word, and respond with humility when He brings correction.
So as we consider this passage, may we pray for hearts that are both willing and open to obey when the Lord leads us.
Father, help us please. To be open and willing to Your lead to make sure more like You
-To Know Jesus. To Live on Mission.