How can we support leaders who speak God's truth in difficult times? Setting the Scene—Jeremiah 38:4 “Then the officials said to the king, ‘Let this man be put to death, for he is weakening the morale of the soldiers who remain in this city and of all the people by speaking such words to them. For this man is not seeking the well-being of these people, but their ruin.’” Recognizing the Pressure Truth-Tellers Face • Jeremiah’s message from God ran counter to national sentiment, so officials labeled him “dangerous.” • Leaders who faithfully declare God’s Word often get accused of undermining morale, progress, or unity (cf. Amos 7:10-13; John 15:18-20). • The hostility was political, social, and physical; verse 6 describes Jeremiah lowered into a muddy cistern. Why Our Support Matters • God kept Jeremiah alive through the actions of ordinary people (Ebed-Melech, v. 7-13). • Faithful witnesses may feel alone; our partnership can be the means God uses to preserve both them and the message (Philippians 4:14-16). • Scripture commends those who refresh workers for the truth (2 Timothy 1:16-18). Ways to Stand With Truth-Speaking Leaders 1. Affirm Their Message – Compare their words to Scripture (Acts 17:11). – Publicly acknowledge their faithfulness: “Remember your leaders… imitate their faith” (Hebrews 13:7). 2. Intercede Earnestly – Pray that God “opens a door for the word” and grants boldness (Colossians 4:3-4; Ephesians 6:18-20). – Stand in spiritual warfare alongside them (2 Corinthians 1:11). 3. Offer Practical Help – Provide resources, mobility, safe places, or administrative aid (Luke 8:3; Romans 16:1-2). – Ebed-Melech secured ropes and rags to rescue Jeremiah (Jeremiah 38:11-12)—simple, tangible support. 4. Speak Up When They Are Misrepresented – Defend truth respectfully (Proverbs 31:8-9; Acts 25:10-11). – Correct distortions so the leader is not forced to self-justify (2 Timothy 4:16-17). 5. Encourage Consistently – Send timely words of courage (Proverbs 25:11; 2 Chronicles 32:7-8). – Remind them of God’s promises: “Do not be afraid, I am with you” (Jeremiah 1:8). 6. Obey the Word They Preach – Nothing strengthens a messenger like seeing the message bear fruit (3 John 3-4). – “Esteem them very highly in love because of their work” (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13). Courageous Biblical Examples • Moses received support from Aaron and Hur who held up his arms (Exodus 17:12). • Paul was refreshed by Onesiphorus “often” and “was not ashamed” of Paul's chains (2 Timothy 1:16-17). • The early church prayed for boldness after Peter and John’s arrest (Acts 4:23-31). The Ripple Effect of Support • God rewarded Ebed-Melech’s faith by promising him deliverance when Jerusalem fell (Jeremiah 39:15-18). • Faithful supporters share in the laborers’ harvest (Philippians 4:17; Matthew 10:41). Putting It Into Practice Today • Identify modern Jeremiahs—pastors, missionaries, cultural commentators—who uphold God’s Word regardless of opposition. • Choose one actionable step from the list above this week: a note, a meal, a public affirmation, or specific intercession. • Remember: As we uphold those who speak truth, we uphold the truth itself, partnering with God’s ongoing work in the world. |
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