Topic: Not An Easy Ride [December 30, 2016]
Text: Jeremiah 12:1-6
Key Verse: “If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? and if in the land of peace, wherein thou trustedst, they wearied thee, then how wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan?” (Jeremiah 12:5).
A story was told of a boy who deliberately failed third grade so he wouldn’t have to go into fourth grade and write with ink! Today, children are not worrying about using ink in elementary school but are learning to use simple computer programs so they’ll be prepared to use more difficult programs in high school and college. There’s no growth without challenge, and there’s no challenge without change.
Prophet Jeremiah had this theological crisis in our text. He found himself struggling with the paradox of wicked people prospering. He couldn’t understand why a holy God would permit false prophets, unbelievers, idol worshipers and the unfaithful priests to prosper while he, His faithful servant, was facing trials. God’s reply to him wasn’t the kind he expected. Instead of focusing on the wicked, he was encouraged to focus on himself. He was told not to expect an easy ride as the life of the prophet involves suffering. Jeremiah probably would have had a comfortable and secure life if he had not accepted the call to be a prophet.
He was like a man running a race and having a hard time keeping up. He was now to progress from the level of running with the foot soldiers to racing with fast horses, and from a level playing ground to coping with an overflowing Jordan. As Christian pilgrims, we must not expect an easy ride. Life on the narrow road can bring hardships, misunderstanding and opposition by even members of our own families. Each new challenge (horses, jungles, opposition of relatives) will help us develop our faith and prepare us for more fruitful ministry and heaven at last. Ultimately, weeping can only endure for a night, joy will eventually berth in the morning.
Thought for the day: An easy life stifles maturity; challenges develop spiritual muscles.
Bible Reading in one Year: Revelation 18-20
DCLM Daily Manna was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.
