May 19

We May Speak for God

Therefore this is what the LORD says: “If you return, I will restore you; you will stand in My presence. And if you speak words that are noble instead of worthless, you will be My spokesman. It is they who must turn to you, but you must not turn to them. — Jer 15:19 BSB

Poor Jeremiah! But why do we say that? The weeping prophet was one of God’s most faithful servants, honored above many others. He was hated for speaking the truth. The word that was so sweet to him was bitter to his listeners, yet he remained faithful to God. He was commanded to stand firm, and God promised to continue speaking through him. He was to confront the people boldly and honestly, performing God’s work of sifting the people of his time. And then God gave him this incredible promise: “You will be as my mouth.”

What an honor! Shouldn’t every preacher, and indeed every believer, desire this? For God to speak through us—what a miracle! We will speak truth, and we will speak it with power. Our words will not return empty; they will be a blessing to those who receive them, and those who reject them will do so at their own risk. Our words will feed many and awaken those who are spiritually asleep.

Dear reader, let’s pray that this will be true for all of God’s sent servants.