These scriptures today, in my first reading, give me a path to walk on in my Christian life as a pastor, and for all of you who seek to serve God with your speech and your life. The prophet Jeremiah, has become discouraged (to say the least). The "precious utterances" God has given him have been met with bitter rejection by the people. Jeremiah laments: 5O LORD, you know; remember me and visit me, and bring down retribution for me on my persecutors. In your forbearance do not take me away; know that on your account I suffer insult. 16Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart; for I am called by your name, O LORD, God of hosts.
He's considering turning and running. God tells him - Turn back to me, and keep those precious utterances going - the Law, and the prophesies, the encouragement, the truth. All are sweet to God who alone gives us words for the moment. Turn back to me, God says, and I will deliver you when you speak for me. Turn back.
Paul encourages me to hold fast to Jesus - who will transform the humiliation we often experience as Christians, as Jesus did, into his glory. We have already attained glory, though we can get caught up in the world's scourges. Hold fast to this truth and the vision of yourself in glory. Hold fast.
John's gospel reading convicts me, that even with good intentions to be good disciples, we can be burdened with "stuff" that makes the witness heavy and unattractive, that makes the sweet word of God, bitter. Jesus then tells me to let go of the past, as a seed would die before it becomes new life. Truth and steadfastness can only bear fruit in my life, and be a witness if I die to myself, as Jesus died to himself. There's a lot of work to do here! Every day. Let go.
And then, follow Jesus. Jesus says, follow me without the baggage of the past and the wealth and glory we create for ourselves here, leaving our sins in Jesus' hands to be forgiven by God. And where we go, Jesus will be.
Turn back. Hold fast. Let go. Move out.
How often when we only want to share the good news with people, how tempting it is to return to the old life of comforts and security, simple facts and tidy resolutions. How often we can become disillusioned that our lives don't matter to God anymore, or to anyone for that matter. Have you wondered how you can be a Christian witness, a prophet in a dark world that hates the words you live on - who suspect the "precious utterances" of God's truth are just sweet talkin' foolishness.
Pray like crazy - like David, in his excruciating prayers of lament and agony, when the enemies surrounded him, he prayed for strength and wisdom and direction, for forgiveness and security, honest to God.
4Make me to know your ways, O LORD; teach me your paths. 5Lead me in your truth, and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all day long. 6Be mindful of your mercy, O LORD, and of your steadfast love, for they have been from of old. 7Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions;
according to your steadfast love remember me, for your goodness' sake, O LORD!
Good Friday approaches again. But the cross is foolishness to the world. This week we Christians will be asked by God to carry the cross with Jesus - a task that would no doubt make us all want to turn and run - and as we walk, and as we struggle, we continue with the sweet utterances of faith in the One who carries us every day of our lives, to glory.
Turn back. God will deliver you. Hold fast. Jesus has saved you. Let go. The Spirit will equip you. Follow Jesus. He will never leave or forsake you. And pray daily. Your precious utterances are sweet to God.
