Listen up, little ones
Listen for the word fire.
Reading
Jeremiah 20:9—A Burning Fire
Optional Reading
Acts 17:16-17
Keys for kids
- Jeremiah wanted to keep his mouth shut.
- But he couldn’t stay silent.
- Neither should we!
Questions
- Why might you want to stay silent instead of witnessing?
- Have you ever felt compelled to talk to someone?
- How can you be provoked to righteous action?
Notes
(See Saturday for authors.)
In this passage in Jeremiah, he is lamenting his prophetic minis-try. His message was unpopular, and he became a laughingstock because of his words. To him, his labors seemed fruitless. However, he knew that he couldn’t keep silent. Even if he tried to, God’s Word was like a fire within his bones. He couldn’t keep it in. He was compelled to speak God’s words, even if he was mocked by his hearers.
We see similar language in the New Testament, especially as we consider Paul’s ministry. In 1 Corinthians, he puts a curse on himself if he were to keep silent: “Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!” (v. 16). And in 2 Corinthians, he proclaims, “For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised” (2 Cor. 5:14-15).
When we see the world around us in idolatry, may we be provoked into action the same way Paul was. And may it be that God’s Word would be like a fire in our bones that must come out! May the love of Christ control us; may it compel us!
Swedish Method questions
Praise
Psalm 65d, 51a
Prayer
- Pray that you would be compelled by the love of Christ.
- Pray for change in you from last Lord’s Day’s sermons.
- Pray for a member of our church, for your family, and for a non-Christian friend/family member.