What does Jeremiah 38:15 teach about the importance of speaking God's truth today? Setting the Scene in Jeremiah 38 Jerusalem is under siege. The prophet Jeremiah has already been beaten, imprisoned, and thrown into a muddy cistern for declaring God’s message of inevitable judgment. King Zedekiah secretly summons him again, hoping for a softer word. Jeremiah’s Courageous Reply: Jeremiah 38:15 “Then Jeremiah said to Zedekiah, ‘If I tell you, will you not surely put me to death? And if I give you counsel, you will not listen to me.’” Key Lessons on Speaking God’s Truth Today • Truth must be spoken even when rejection seems certain. • Fear of consequences cannot override obedience to God’s commission. • Human ears may refuse the message, but proclaiming it remains our duty. • God’s servant is accountable for faithfulness, not for the audience’s response (cf. Ezekiel 2:7). • Courage flows from trust in the Lord, not from favorable circumstances. Practical Takeaways for Our Daily Witness • Expect opposition, but refuse silence when Scripture is clear. • Check the motive—are we seeking God’s approval or human applause? (Galatians 1:10) • Speak plainly; evasive words dilute divine truth. • Prepare for costs—social, professional, even physical—and count them worthwhile (Matthew 10:28). • Anchor confidence in God’s Word; His authority overrides every earthly threat. Supporting Scriptures That Echo This Call • Acts 4:19-20 — “We cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.” • 2 Timothy 4:2 — “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season…” • Ephesians 4:15 — “Speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Christ.” • Proverbs 29:25 — “The fear of man is a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is set securely on high.” • 1 Thessalonians 2:4 — “We speak not to please men, but God, who examines our hearts.” Concluding Thoughts Jeremiah 38:15 spotlights a prophet who spoke God’s word knowing it could cost his life and still might be ignored. Today, faithful believers carry the same mandate: proclaim God’s unchanging truth with conviction, compassion, and courage, trusting Him with the results. |
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