Where is your heart?
Jeremiah continues to warn Jerusalem and Judah of the destruction that would eventually come from the north. The Babylonians would ultimately conquer the nation. Yet instead of turning to the Lord, Jerusalem and Judah tried unsuccessfully to fortify themselves against the coming destruction.
For a moment, let's take a look at Jeremiah's heart for his people. He stands out among the prophets as he openly shares his own emotions toward those he was called to minister to.
"O my soul, my soul! I am pained in my very heart! My heart makes a noise in me; I cannot hold my peace, Because you have heard, O my soul, The sound of the trumpet, The alarm of war." Jeremiah 4:19
Jeremiah had a ministry to fulfill. He had a message to proclaim. Yet his heart was broken over the people and their continued unrepentance. He didn't become hard-hearted toward their rebellious hearts. Instead, he deeply loved the people he was called to minister to.
What about you and me? Where are our hearts toward the people the Lord has placed in our lives?
Our spouses, children, parents, family, friends, and co-workers are all part of the people God has called us to love and minister to, regardless of their actions. They may have turned their backs on the Lord. They may have even said or done things that have personally hurt us. But we must take an honest look at our hearts toward them.
If our hearts have become hard or bitter toward others, we need to come back to the cross of Christ. Jeremiah spent years ministering to an unrepentant people, yet his heart remained broken for them. The same should be true of us.
It's time for a heart check.
May the Lord keep our hearts soft, tender, and open toward the people He has placed in our lives, even when they are difficult to love.
-To Know Jesus. To Live on Mission.