https://odb.org/2024/07/07/trapped-in-chocolate
The story of Jeremiah being lowered jnto a cistern filled with mud as punishment for speaking the truth that might have discouraged the soldiers (Jeremiah 38:1-10) is a predicament that we sometimes may face as believers. The truth usually hurts, and not many can accept a frank and honest opinion. In the case of Jeremiah, he was advising the Israelites to leave Jerusalem for Babylon before the Babylonians invaded the city and overrun it. He had been prophesying from the LORD that the LORD would allow a foreign power to defeat and capture Jerusalem because of the insolence and disobedience of the Israelites to His law. They had forsaken and forgotten Him.
But living in this world requires us to be shrewd and smart when dealing with people, whether in church or at work. That means that we may need to avoid being too blunt or honest in the things we say. There is no need to lie, but we need not be too brutal or too piercing. Perhaps we could side-step the issue. Or look at it from another perspective, to give it a better light or tone. Especially for someone who is just starting out. We want to encourage and not dampen the spirit. We want to uplift rather than pour cold water.
However, an exception needs to be made if God wants us to speak. Like in the case of Jeremiah. Then we should be as bold and courageous as Jeremiah. We speak despite the consequences. That’s because the Word of God will not return void. It will achieve its purposes. This is important for preachers proclaiming God’s Word in sermons. By speaking the Word, something is already achieved in the spiritual realm. The bondages and chains of the enemy are broken, and the captives are set free.
If we operate in the spiritual gift of word of knowledge, speak as the Holy Spirit prompts us. Our spoken word as prompted may be the key to unlocking the calling and the mysteries of the Kingdom on a person’s life. God may have so much more in store for that person.
We may not be called to be a Jeremiah, and maybe we are called to be a Barnabas (encourager) instead. Whatever our calling, there will be times when we need to speak the truth and, if so, speak it boldly and with confidence knowing that the LORD seeks to achieve His plans and purposes in the process. The truth sometimes hurts, but it could lead to healing and liberation of the soul!
Ronnie's Thoughts 