10.02.2007

Fidelity in Fullness

While reading material concerning the book of Jeremiah in a commentary by Hobart E. Freeman (required for my Old Testament Survey class) I came across a thought-provoking quote that arrested my attention. It first reminded me of the clear command of God for pastors and those delivering His truth to communicate His Word accurately and completely. Secondly, it brought thankfulness to my heart for the few faithful men who have stayed true to this and are unashamed in their sin-revealing, Christ-exalting, and yet still love-indwelt preaching.

Freeman writes:
"God then admonishes Jeremiah saying, 'Speak unto them all that I command thee: be not dismayed at them, lest I dismay thee before them' (Jeremiah 1:17). The prophet is solemnly charged to remain steadfast in the face of all opposition to his message and to proclaim faithfully all that God has commanded him to speak. It is sometimes a temptation for a man to proclaim only as much of God's Word as the people will receive without rejecting him and his ministry. But God warns Jeremiah in advance that any failure to proclaim faithfully His whole counsel will result in judgment upon the messenger as well as the people. If he fears the consequences of faithful preaching, then he will face a severer judgment at the hands of the Lord. Fidelity to the Word of God is not merely preaching carefully selected themes in order to please the hearers, nor following some liturgy; it is the proclamation of the whole counsel of God, the threats as well as the promises, the judgments as well as the blessings, the rebukes as well as the condolences, at whatever the personal cost. As it is treason for an ambassador to suppress those elements of his commission that are harsh and severe in order to spare himself unpleasant experiences, so much more treasonous is it for the messenger of the Lord who, through fear, cowardliness and desire for peace at any price, neglects to proclaim all that God has spoken."

1 comment:

Micah James Lugg said...

Ian, thanks for the reminder. It is such a weighty responsibility to deliver the Word of God. Praise the Lord for those who have not shrunk back from declaring the whole counsel of God.