Jeremiah could not hold back the words that burned in his heart.
The words were alive, and compelled him to speak – to the point that they burned to his very bones.
God had touched him, and unless he spoke out what was given him, the words would consume him.
Jer 20:9 … But [his word] was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not [stay].
What was happening to Jeremiah during this time of fire?
He was defamed and attacked by enemies, as well as friends
Jer 20:10 For I heard the defaming of many, fear on every side. Report, [say they], and we will report it. All my familiars watched for my halting, [saying], Peradventure he will be enticed, and we shall prevail against him, and we shall take our revenge on him.
He was persecuted, and put to shame.
Jer 20:11 ¶ But the LORD [is] with me as a mighty terrible one: therefore my persecutors shall stumble, and they shall not prevail: they shall be greatly ashamed; for they shall not prosper: [their] everlasting confusion shall never be forgotten.
He was tried by God
Jer 20:12 But, O LORD of hosts, that triest the righteous, [and] seest the reins and the heart, let me see thy vengeance on them: for unto thee have I opened my cause.
He had felt cursed since the day he was born, due to many sorrows
Jer 20:14 ¶ Cursed [be] the day wherein I was born: let not the day wherein my mother bare me be blessed.
Jer 20:18 Wherefore came I forth out of the womb to see labour and sorrow, that my days should be consumed with shame?
How does a time of trial affect you?
Need for Fire
These are not simple times.
The time is soon coming where dead words will not help us.
The time is soon coming where weak faith will get us left behind.
The time is soon coming when our heart will be broken, and our lives will be torn.
The time is coming when friends and enemies will attack us.
A time of persecution is soon coming.
Will we be ready?
Where will our focus be?
Will we be afraid, or fearless?
Will we fail, or will we have victory?
How does the Word of God affect you?
If you have no spiritual connection to the Word of God, it is dead inside of you.
If you can put down the Bible and feel nothing after reading it, you are disconnected from the Holy Spirit, who is the Fire of the Word.
True fire will draw you to the Word.
True Fire will consume you.
True Fire will have you thinking of the Word day and night.
True Fire will have you in tears, because it has touched your heart.
True Fire will have you on your knees.
True Fire will compel you to express what has been placed in your heart.
It cannot be delayed.
There is no rest until you speak it out.
There is no rest until you can get others to understand the message that is urgent within you.
You cannot sleep until you tell somebody.
It is alive, and has to spread and grow, and enflame others with passion.
Fire is total commitment, under the worst of circumstances.
Will we be spared, or left to the time of tribulation?
Jesus once commented that the fire and passion for him was lacking in the church of the Laodiceans, and apathy was something to be repented of.
Rev 3:16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
Rev 3:18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou may be rich; and white raiment, that thou may be clothed, and [that] the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou may see.
Will people repent in time, of this apathy and deadness?
What does Jesus want of us?
We are to keep (not ignore, or disobey) His Word. While we may appear weak in the eyes of the world, we can be strong in Him, and uplift His name.
Rev 3:8 I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.
The promise of deliverance from the time of tribulation only goes to those who are filled with His Word, and obey Him.
Rev 3:10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.
Conclusion:
If you are not on fire for His Word, pray for this fire to enter you, and consume you.
Do not be lukewarm, or cold.
Be on fire for Him who gave His life for you, and He will be faithful to you, to preserve you through trials.
Author: Marianne Tioran
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