How to be unpopular

Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of My pasture! – Jeremiah 23:1

In 1517, Martin Luther nailed his Ninety-Five Theses to the door of the castle church in Wittenberg. Luther became known as a reformer, and we remember his bold stand as a turning point in church history.

The fiery priest demonstrated great courage in expressing outrage at the church’s practice of selling forgiveness through indulgences, which allowed the people to sin intentionally in exchange for money.

Luther’s passion to stop these practices did not make him popular with the religious authorities of his day. In fact, his efforts resulted in a series of attempts to silence him.

Long before Luther, the prophet Jeremiah felt the power of God’s Word in his heart "like a burning fire shut up in my bones; I was weary of holding it back, and I could not" (Jeremiah 20:9). Jeremiah and Luther refused to allow God’s truth to be compromised.

Living for God is about grace and forgiveness, but it’s also about boldly standing for the truth. Having God’s Word in our heart doesn’t always result in warm, pleasant feelings. Sometimes His truth becomes a blazing fire that causes us to challenge corruption – even though we may be attacked for it. – Julie Link

Sure I must fight if I would resign;

Increase my courage, Lord.

I’ll bear the toil, endure the pain,

Supported by Thy Word. – Watts

READ: Jeremiah 23:16-23

It’s better to declare the truth and be rejected than to withhold it just to be accepted.

The Bible in one year:

• Daniel 5-7

• 2 John