Prophets Faithfull to God's CovenantCourageous Prophets of Change
Live in the light of God (Isaiah 2:5) Jeremiah: The Suffering Preacher of DoomJeremiah 37:17-21
New International Version17 Then King Zedekiah sent for him and had him brought to the palace, where he asked him privately, “Is there any word from the Lord?” “Yes,” Jeremiah replied, “you will be delivered into the hands of the king of Babylon.” 18 Then Jeremiah said to King Zedekiah, “What crime have I committed against you or your attendants or this people, that you have put me in prison? 19 Where are your prophets who prophesied to you, ‘The king of Babylon will not attack you or this land? 20 But now, my lord the king, please listen. Let me bring my petition before you: Do not send me back to the house of Jonathan, the secretary, or I will die there.” 21 King Zedekiah then gave orders for Jeremiah to be placed in the courtyard of the guard and given a loaf of bread from the street of the bakers each day until all the bread in the city was gone. So Jeremiah remained in the courtyard of the guard. For ReflectionA common phenomenon in an organization is that many times the CEO or President of an organization hears only good things. The bad news is unlikely to reach his ears unless the situation reaches a crisis. As in contemporary societies, leaders are surrounded by people who often communicate what they think the leader wants to hear. As a result, whether or not the leader invites only good news, few if any advisor is eager to bring bad news.
In Zedekiah's case, his prophets (advisors) supported the King's preconceived opinions. That left Jeremiah the lone voice of impending doom for the monarchy and the people of Juda. PrayPray s0 that you will hear and accept the truth in God's voice no matter how risky the news might be. Pray so that you trust that the Lord will protect you even when times seem the darkest.
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