Continuing with the yoke we read about yesterday, another prophet, Hananiah, publicly challenges Jeremiah's prophecy. He literally takes the yoke the Lord had instructed Jeremiah to wear and breaks it, declaring a message that directly contradicts what Jeremiah had spoken from the Lord.
How does Jeremiah respond? "Amen! The LORD do so; the LORD perform your words which you have prophesied, to bring back the vessels of the LORD's house and all who were carried away captive, from Babylon to this place." Jeremiah 28:6
Jeremiah would have loved for Hananiah's words to be true. But he goes on to explain that when a prophet speaks of peace, the fulfillment of that word will demonstrate that the LORD truly sent him.
Jeremiah knew what the Lord had told him to do. Yet in this moment, he doesn't get into a shouting match with Hananiah. He doesn't feel the need to defend himself. In fact, after Hananiah breaks the yoke, Scripture simply says, "And Jeremiah the prophet went his way."
Jeremiah had learned to trust the Lord. He had experienced His leading and His protection, even through some incredibly difficult situations. He didn't have to prove himself right. He could trust the Lord to confirm His own Word.
How about us?
What do we do when our actions are questioned? What happens when someone challenges our obedience to the Lord and His Word? Do we immediately become defensive? Do we feel like we have to win the argument or prove ourselves right?
Jeremiah's response wasn't driven by pride. He knew his responsibility was to faithfully obey what God had told him. The outcome, and the vindication of God's Word, belonged to the Lord.
There's something we can learn from that.
Let the Spirit of God lead. Stay grounded in His Word. Be obedient. Be humble. Be wise. You don't have to win every argument or defend yourself at every turn.
Do what the Lord has called you to do, and trust Him with the rest.
-To Know Jesus. To Live on Mission.