On the Second Sunday in Lent for the Series C readings, the three pericopes are Jeremiah 26:8-15; Philippians 3:17-4:1 and Luke 13:31-35. Chosen to preach on is Jeremiah 26:11a, “And the priests and the prophets spoke to the princes and all the people, saying, ‘This man deserves to die!’”

Yes, we are in the season of Lent but the reading is not referring to the Son of Man, Jesus Christ as deserving to die, but rather to the prophet Jeremiah. And for what reason are the priests and prophets of that day encouraging the princes to put Jeremiah to death? Because “he has prophesied against this city” (Jerusalem). Jeremiah, of course, was simply repeating the message from God that the city and its temple would be destroyed by infidels because of the unbelief of the people. They refused to listen to Jeremiah, regarding his speech as that of a traitor. Surely, God would not permit His holy city and His great temple to be destroyed they thought. 

One could make the point that what is true about Jerusalem might also be true about the United States of America. Certainly with the hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, tsunamis and the like, it appears that God is sending some kind of warning to the people. We have already seen how some preachers are ridiculed for the idea that weather phenomenon could be a result of gross sin and immoral behavior. While it is true that we cannot make such a judgment apart from God’s Word, there is no doubt that God Himself brought destruction upon those who strayed from His Word.

However, there is another point that could be stressed. Jesus was in a long line of spiritual prophets who were persecuted for speaking the Word of God. How many of those listening today can point to a time of perseuction in their lives for the message they told others about Jesus Christ. Few indeed. Is it that no one is listening or cares? Or might it be that we are not speaking the message of the Christian faith in as radical and offensive manner as it is written? Too often we Christians shy away from speaking forthrightly about the Word of God lest we “offend” someone. Our definition of “offense” is that we get others angry with us.

Now there is no doubt that some Christians speak the Word of God in such a way that even displeases God. I’m not just speaking of false doctrine but true doctrine spoken with an attitude of pride and legalism. We need to remember that we are sinners deserving nothing but temporal and eternal punishment. Yet God desires to make use of our lips to proclaim the only saving message for fallen human beings. Because the speaking of the Law upsets and “offends” many, we tend to water down the Law. This results in those hearing as being unable to realize their need for the Gospel message of Jesus’ death and resurrection.

We rejoice when we realize that at times God takes the words we speak to bring repentance, joy and comfort to an unbeliever who by the power of the Holy Spirit has a new heart and right spirit created. One need not become a pastor to proclaim an effective word. It can be done by a parent, a brother or sister, a friend, a co-worker and anyone else who provides the Holy Spirit with the proper Word from the inspired Word. What a wonderful means of grace God has given us to speak to others. And what a comfort to each of us it is to know that one of the beatitudes brings blessings to those who are persecuted.