“This is what the LORD says: ‘If you repent, I will restore you that you may serve me; if you utter worthy, not worthless, words, you will be my spokesman. Let this people turn to you, but you must not turn to them. I will make you a wall to this people, a fortified wall of bronze; they will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you to rescue and save you,’ declares the LORD. ‘I will save you from the hands of the wicked and redeem you from the grasp of the cruel.’” (Jeremiah 15:19–21, NIV 1984).
My Musings – In this world, when we repent of wrongdoing against someone, we may be forgiven but it is less likely that we will be restored to enjoy the relationship we had before. But our relationship with Christ is fully restored whenever we repent. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:8–9, NIV 1984).
If we presume to speak for the Lord, we must “utter worthy, not worthless, words.” In so doing, it might be that others will “turn to [us],” receive the Gospel that we proclaim, and enter into a saving relationship with Jesus. However, if our words are unworthy (not speaking the truth), or we speak in an unworthy manner (not speaking in love), they will turn away. “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.” (1 Peter 3:15–16, NIV 1984).
When we walk in fellowship with the Master, the world might fight against us, but they will not overcome us. “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33, NIV 1984). The “grasp of the cruel” and “the hands of the wicked” may trouble us for a season, but not overcome us. For Christ is our “rescuer” and “redeemer.” If He is with us, who can possibly be against us?
My Advice – Serve the Lord worthily.
The Brew Is A Musing 