Don’t Run!
“Now there was also a man who prophesied in the name of the LORD, Urijah the son of Shemaiah of Kirjath Jearim, who prophesied against this city and against this land according to all the words of Jeremiah.”
Jeremiah 26:20
Have you ever heard of the prophet Urijah? No?
How about Jeremiah the prophet? “That rings a bell!”
Jeremiah, “the weeping prophet” prophesied for about 40 years. He was sent to warn Israel that they were about to be taken captive to Babylon because of their sins.
When you read the book bearing his name, your heart goes out to Jeremiah because he endured so much mistreatment.
In chapter 26, it says that the priests and prophets complained about Jeremiah to the princes about the words of his prophecy. They were seeking the death penalty.
So, they came and confronted him. Jeremiah didn’t run. He calmly explained to all assembled that God had given him the words to speak. They decided not to put him to death.
Then, we are introduced to the prophet Urijah. All we know about him is the name of his dad, and where he was from.
He prophesied in the name of the Lord similar words to that of Jeremiah.
This stirred the folks up including the king, and he came after him.
Instead of facing his accusers, he fled to Egypt.
The king sent to Egypt, brought him back and killed him. They threw his body into the common people’s cemetery.
My point is not that if you run from trouble, you will die. Jeremiah wasn’t killed then, but it’s believed he was stoned to death later on. Opposition happens.
I just want to show you an alternative. When troubles come your way, you can stand firm in God.
Paul says: “Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”
(I’ve heard it said that the armor Paul describes only protects the front, not the back!)
Remember what God told Joshua? “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9
Stand. Don’t run. Keep strong in the faith. Repeat.
