PLEADING WITH SINNERS TO OBEY GOD’S WORD
Even after King Zedekiah had allowed Jeremiah to be thrown into a miry pit, he still had compassion for the ones who heard his preaching. This is the mark of a true prophet. He preaches the Word of God without apology, whether blessing or judgment, yet retains the compassionate heart of God for his hearers. Jeremiah was ready to warn or plead in his preaching. He genuinely cared that people repent and return to the Lord. But in Jeremiah’s day, no one did. His preaching went unheeded and the nation fell to Babylon.
Our human nature is to judge or even hate those who reject God’s Word and deny Christ. Yet, Jeremiah reveals to us the heart of God. He is merciful towards sinners that they might be saved. We should have that same heart as we share the gospel with others, pleading with sinners to obey the voice of the Lord that they might live.
PRAYER: Dear Father, thank You for Your Word and gospel which saves those who believe. Help us to have Your heart of mercy and compassion as we declare Your gospel to sinners. In Jesus’ name, amen.