The Lord sent me to prophesy against this house and this city . . . Do with me whatever you think is good and right. (Jeremiah 26:12,14)On August 5, 1864, during the Civil War, the Union Navy sailed into Mobile Bay. The lead ship was destroyed by a tethered mine and those following faltered amid the confusion. Taking charge of the situation, Rear Admiral David Farragut steered his ship around those adrift and uttered the famous charge: Damn the torpedoes - full speed ahead! The remaining ships followed him; there were no more losses, and the forts lining Mobile Bay surrendered.
Jeremiah's ministry was about as welcome in Jerusalem as the Union Navy in Mobile Bay, and the potential consequences no less disastrous. But Jeremiah knew he had been sent by God and, regardless of the outcome, he must be faithful to his mission. Jeremiah's courage was not without consequence; he was hated, labeled a traitor, imprisoned, and eventually forcibly removed to Egypt. However, in his declining years he could lay his head on the pillow at night and know he had done everything asked of him.
When's the last time you said, "Damn the torpedoes - full speed ahead!"?
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