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. In his declining years, however,
he could lay his head on the pillow at night and know he had done everything
asked of him.
A dear saint in my congregation shared with me she committed
long ago to live her life so, when the time came, she could leave this world
with no regrets. Would
that we all could make that same vow.
TODAY’S MEDITATION
Is God prompting you that
it’s time to say, “Damn the torpedoes – full speed ahead”? Ask for the strength
and grace to be true to his calling.
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