Everything was fine; that is until he showed up. Everything he said contradicted what our leaders had been telling us. We heard from them that everything was moving along smoothly. They reassured us that we were on the right track; that we had nothing to worry about. Life was sweet and we were at ease.
Then he came along telling us that God was not pleased with our way of life. He warned us of impending judgment if we did not immediately change our direction.
It was no wonder that our leaders refused to allow him to speak with us anymore. They instructed us to disregard the things he had spoken. They encouraged us to stay the course.
The above story is an adaptation of an Old Testament portion of scripture found in the book of Jeremiah. The children of Israel had forsaken the ways of their ancestors by following after the godless gods of the land; something strictly forbidden by Jehovah.
The kings of the land had encouraged the people to live the way there had been living for decades, obeying the rituals of these godless gods. Everything seemed to be running along just fine until—Jeremiah showed up.
He told them of grave judgment that awaited everyone who was unwilling to turn from their evil ways and once again follow the ways of their forefathers. He as creating such as stir that the kings had him arrested.
This story brings me to a question.
Who do the people believe?
Certainly their leaders would not steer them in the wrong direction. They have the best interest of their followers at heart; or do they?
On the other hand, what advantage could Jeremiah possibly hope to have by stirring up the people with such utter nonsense? Surely he knew that the leaders would not take lightly the things he had to say. And yet, instead of running for his life, he stands there allowing them to arrest him.
As I write this, my attention is drawn to the world we live in today; especially here in America. We live in a country deeply divided over so many issues. We read stories of people loosing their jobs because of things they have said. We read stories of people who are determined to force their belief on the masses. Then we read stories about how the media have fabricated stories in order to paint a skewed picture of what is really going on.
Who are we to believe?
Certainly their leaders would not steer them in the wrong direction. They have the best interest of their followers at heart; or do they?
On the other hand, what advantage could Jeremiah possibly hope to have by stirring up the people with such utter nonsense? Surely he knew that the leaders would not take lightly the things he had to say. And yet, instead of running for his life, he stands there allowing them to arrest him.
As I write this, my attention is drawn to the world we live in today; especially here in America. We live in a country deeply divided over so many issues. We read stories of people loosing their jobs because of things they have said. We read stories of people who are determined to force their belief on the masses. Then we read stories about how the media have fabricated stories in order to paint a skewed picture of what is really going on.
Who are we to believe?
I believe that the answer to the people of Jeremiah’s time believe as we the people today, are related.
Of course the answer is seasoned from a Christ-followers perspective. For some that may mean it is tainted, while for others it may answer some important questions.
Think of it this way; they are only words.
Just let me live my life the way I see fit, listening to the people I want to listen to. As long as I keep to myself staying within my boundaries, everything will be all right.
While there could be some truth to that; and while the world we live in today certainly advocates that, it may not fly in the midst of uncertainty.
For example, what do you do when you are confronted with opposing opinions from people who are supposed to be looking out for you? How do you find the truth in that?
While it may be true that they are only words, they are words that will have a certain impact on my life—depending on which words I choose to believe and thereby follow.
The words from the kings in the Old Testament story were to chill out and continue doing what you were doing. The words of Jeremiah were to promote radical change.
Who is right?
The answer is found in whom you believe and I am not talking about the people spouting the words. Who do you have a relationship with?
Who has your heart rather than your ear?
This story is about a relationship with the godhead. In the Old Testament that relationship centered around following the commandments of the Lord. Those who were doing so would clearly indentify with the words coming from Jeremiah’s mouth. Those who did not have such a relationship would be inclined to identify with the words coming from their leadership.
This story relates to us today because it shows us the power of having a relationship with the godhead. This relationship does not look like the one described above where keeping a list of commandments qualified one for having a relationship.
In the article I am about to bring you in a good land, the commandments what we as New Testament believers are supposed to obey are spelled out.
For the Christ follower today, a relationship with the godhead is patterned after the Father’s original design for mankind that is found in the Garden of Eden.
Mankind walked with God carrying on a very personal conversation. Mankind experienced a dialogue rather than a monologue. This is unnatural for mankind today given the fact that the godhead is spirit and therefore—at least for the most part—not seen.
I like the images that the movies paint of such a conversation. In one scene you see two people carrying on a conversation. However when another person walks into the room, they see one person talking out loud to himself or herself. For the person having the conversation, it is quite real, while it appears quite insane for the person walking in.
There is a scene in the Star wars movie Rogue One where a blind martial Arts master is hiding behind a door while a fire-fight rages one around him. In the center of this fire-fight was a control switch that turned on or off the invisible shield that protected the planet from intruders. The Alliance needed to turn that switch off so the Rebel forces could send in reinforcements.
The battle was intense with no chance for them to get to the switch. The blind Master leaves the comfort of his hiding place and begins to make his way toward the switch. As he takes one step after the other, he recites a phrase. Laser beams flash all around him, but never hit him. He makes it to the switch and successfully turns it off.
I like the picture this paints and how it relates to our story.
The blind Master could have stayed in his secure place and avoided any harm. If he had listened to the screams of his colleagues he would have never left his place. However he heard another voice telling him to go. While he was going he recited a phrase that gave him strength to attempt such an impossible task.
He succeeded!
The blind Master was operating on faith or the belief or assurance that God is who he says he is and will do what he says he will do. He could have stayed in his comfort zone and been safe; however he would not have contributed to the victory what awaited them. Had he listened to the voices of his friends, he would not have gone. Instead he listened to another voice—an inner voice—that told him to go. The blind Master (for this part of the story) quoted the Word of God with each step he took. This gave him confidence while keeping him focused on the task at hand.
He succeeded!
His story can be your story, and my story. If we will operate in the seemingly uncertain, irrational arena of faith, we can accomplish mighty things. If we can learn the scriptures allowing us to quote them during such seemingly impossible times, we will be amazed at the things we can accomplish. Our focus will remain on the task at hand rather than the situation around us. If we develop a relationship with the godhead that allows us to hear that different voice, it will never steer us down the wrong path. We will always come out on top.
Seldom—if ever—does life go as smoothly as it does in the movies; but the image this paints can certainly give us hope.
It starts by building a relationship with the godhead. From that relationship trust is built. That trust builds faith or assurance that God really will take care of us. That faith will enable us to step out and do things that we never dream of doing, and everyone around us would call crazy.
I speak more about this in the article, Faith comes from hearing the Word of God.
It does happen; it can happen; it will happen—but with time. It takes time to build a relationship. It takes time to build a community; which is another important element in this journey.
You must have people around you who share like ideas and experiences. This helps you along the way. It is human nature to need association and community provides that.