Apr 2 - "Bad News"

"Then Jeremiah spoke to all the officials and all the people, saying, 'It is the LORD who sent me to prophesy against this house and this city all the words you have heard.' "
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Jeremiah had a tough job. For the past couple of weeks, the first reading in Morning Prayer has been from the the book of Jeremiah. This prophet had the "unfortunate" job of hearing some pretty dire news from God: the Jewish people of the time were about to be taken into captivity in Babylon and lose everything. Not only did he have to hear the news from God, but, as a part of his job description as a prophet, he had to deliver the news to those around him. And by the way, when they heard his message, the people in the kingdom of King Jehoiakim at the time wanted to kill Jeremiah.

When I think about the love God has for me and for each of us, it is hard to read the story of this prophet. Basically, God tells Jeremiah that His people have been going on and sinning, forsaking God for too long, and now it is time for them to be punished. Over the centuries, God has brought His wrath through a Flood, pestilence, plagues...lots of not very fun stuff. Now He is going to have them all taken into captivity and slavery to see if that helps them get the message. As always, He does give them an 'out', though. God tells Jeremiah that maybe His people will listen to the words of the prophet and change their evil ways.

Delivering bad news is no fun. All of us at times have had to share not-so-good information in a family, work or personal setting when we knew those receiving the message would not like it. Our fear of delivering the news comes from lots of places; will we experience anger from the receiver of the message? Resentment? Will we even run the risk of being cut off in some way from someone with whom we want to maintain a relationship? All of these are hard and painful things. Jeremiah, too, was fearful of delivering the message. Surely he knew that he might be ignored, ridiculed or even put to death. But God spoke to him, assuring him that this was a message which needed to be heard. Jeremiah put his faith in God and he was protected.

As I reflect and write daily on scripture, I do recognize there are times when there are some not so nice messages to be heard. I will admit, I have purposefully avoided dwelling on some topic which might "turn you off" from the larger messages of Love, Mercy and Grace that I find so much more often...and more fun to share. Hearing yet another person tell you about sin, hatred, punishment and death may not be what you are seeking. It's also not what is on my heart to share...I think... But, sometimes, it's just what needs to be done.

So, think about something which has been weighing on your heart. Is there something that needs to be said? Know that you don't have to do it alone. Pray for God to help you with the right way to say it. Pray that, even though the message may be a tough one, God's perfect will may be fulfilled through you stepping out of your comfort zone and delivering some bad news.