Our Scripture reading today is Jeremiah 20:9, "Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay."
The prophet Jeremiah was sent to preach a message of repentance to the southern kingdom of Judah. They had rebelled against God and if they did not repent, judgement was soon to follow. He and his message were not met with acceptance. It would get so bad for Jeremiah that he was tossed into a dungeon and fed only bread and water.
This unwelcome acceptance did not keep Jeremiah from speaking what God had put in his heart. It was not easy to say the least. In fact, he did not want to keep preaching, but he could not keep the truth inside. We have the truth and it must be delivered. May we all get to the place in our lives where by the grace of God we boldly proclaim God's message of salvation. Today, would be a good day to start.