Jeremiah felt compelled to preach the word of God. Even though the people mocked him, he still preached. He said, "If I say, 'I will not mention him, or speak any more in his name,' then within me there is something like a burning fire shut up in my bones; I am weary with holding it in, and I cannot" (20:9). What a marvelous thing to be so called by God that the message just burns to get out. So Jeremiah let that message out and was imprisoned on the charge that he was deserting to the Chaldeans.

After Jeremiah had been beaten and held captive for many days, King Zedekiah sent for him. I find it quite interesting that after no one wanted to hear what Jeremiah had to say, this king asked if there was a word from the Lord. Because Jeremiah could not keep that word shut up in his bones, he responded, "There is!" and told the king that he would be handed over to the king of Babylon. I am sure that his being captured was not the word that King Zedekiah wanted to hear. But Jeremiah, though his fate was in the hands of King Zedekiah, delivered the word that God had given him. Zedekiah was indeed captured, his sons were killed in front of him, his eyes were put out, and he remained in prison until his death.

How many of us accurately receive the word of God that is boldly preached. We often ask, "Is there a word from the Lord?" but may not listen to it. When a true servant of the Lord preaches and deliv�ers God's word, a word that just burns to get out, we need to listen and respond accordingly. If there is a word from the Lord, internalize it!

Lord, help me recognize and respond to your word when one who just cannot hold it in preaches it. Amen.

Read more devotions