How can Jeremiah's courage in 26:15 inspire us to defend our faith? Setting the Scene Jeremiah has just delivered a blistering message of judgment at the temple gates. Leaders and crowds threaten his life. In that tense moment he stands his ground—alone, unarmed, but fully convinced of God’s call. Jeremiah’s Bold Statement (Jeremiah 26:15) “ ‘But know for certain that if you put me to death, you will bring innocent blood on yourselves and on this city and on its residents. For the LORD has truly sent me to you to speak all these words in your hearing.’ ” What Courage Looks Like • Clarity—Jeremiah knows exactly Who sent him. • Conviction—he calls himself “innocent” because he speaks God’s truth without alteration. • Consecration—his own safety is secondary to obedience. • Confrontation—he addresses civil and religious authorities without flinching (cf. Micah 3:8). Why We Need the Same Courage Today • Truth is still unpopular (2 Timothy 4:3-4). • Culture still resists God’s authority (John 15:18-19). • Believers are still commissioned to speak (Matthew 28:19-20). • The stakes remain eternal—souls, not reputations, are on the line (Jude 23). Practical Steps to Stand Firm 1. Stay anchored in Scripture—truth fuels courage (Psalm 119:42-43). 2. Cultivate holy fear of God above fear of man (Proverbs 29:25; Luke 12:4-5). 3. Pray for boldness like the early church (Acts 4:29-31). 4. Speak graciously but plainly—seasoned with salt, not sugar-coated (Colossians 4:6). 5. Accept potential costs; Jesus promised them (Matthew 5:11-12). 6. Lean on the Spirit’s power, not mere personality (2 Timothy 1:7). Encouragement from Other Biblical Examples • Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego—“we will not serve your gods” (Daniel 3:16-18). • Peter and John—“We cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:19-20). • Paul before Agrippa—“I wish…all who are listening…might become as I am” (Acts 26:28-29). Promised Strength for the Faithful • “The LORD is with me like a dread warrior” (Jeremiah 20:11). • “Do not be afraid…for I am with you” (Isaiah 41:10). • “The righteous are as bold as a lion” (Proverbs 28:1). Jeremiah’s lone voice in chapter 26 echoes through history, urging every believer: speak the truth, trust the Sender, and let God handle the fallout. |
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