July 29

The Cost of Discipleship

Jeremiah was called to a very difficult ministry. He was given the responsibility to proclaim the truth of God’s standard to his culture. Prophets are not well received both in ancient times and today. In fact, it is clear that both his family and friends opposed his ministry. In chapter 12 Jeremiah is feeling sorry for himself. This naturally occurs when one faces opposition. But the response of God is very interesting.

God’s answer is not an explanation of his plan or giving Jeremiah a shoulder to cry on. God doesn’t give him any more information than he gave Job or Habakkuk. God doesn’t even promise the guy that one day he will be vindicated. The response of God is like a challenge from a football coach or a military drill sergeant.

Jeremiah 12:5
If you have raced with men on foot
and they have worn you out,
how can you compete with horses?
If you stumble in safe country,
how will you manage in the thickets by the Jordan?

In effect here is what God is saying, “You think it is difficult to do this now. Just wait till it really gets tough.” Those are words we do not want to hear when going through a tough time. But the cost of discipleship is high. It seems God is much more concerned about our character than our comfort in life. The Christian walk is not about prosperity, health and wealth, it is about obedience. We might not want to hear this, but it seems the end destination of every disciple is a cross.

Well, be of good cheer today. If we try to run this race in our own resources, we are going to fail miserably. But if we run the race dependent on God, we are not guaranteed victory or an easy life, but one day we will hear God say to us, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Live for the approval of God not people.

Be a person who speaks the truth to your culture.... be a prophet.