An Audience of One

Daily Reading: Jeremiah 20

Scripture Focus: If I say, “I will not mention him, or speak any more in his name,” there is in my heart as it were a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I am weary with holding it in, and I cannot. (Jeremiah 20.9)

Devotional Thought: When Jeremiah preached a sermon that irritated Pashhur—a key member of the team that presided over the Temple—he had the prophet beaten and imprisoned.  When Jeremiah said some things that Pashhur didn’t like and regarded as “fake news,” he experienced a very public disgrace.  Pashhur’s rebuke caused many of his countrymen to think of Jeremiah as a traitor and false prophet.

Pashhur released Jeremiah the next day—an act he undoubtedly regarded as kind and humanitarian.  Perhaps he thought he’d learned his lesson.  But, Jeremiah didn’t moderate his message.  He boldly and plainly told the chief governor that destruction was sure to come, and he’d be at the center of it.

Why did Jeremiah share words that would further agitate and inflame an already agitated and inflamed man?  “His word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot.”  Jeremiah’s obligation to speak truth trumped concerns about his personal safety.  His responsibility to convey the message God had placed on his heart outweighed his worries about his own well-being.  He was, as the saying goes, living for an Audience of One.  The message was so crucial and compelling, he couldn’t not pass along what God had impressed upon his heart.

What does it mean to live for an Audience of One?  It means when everyone’s eyes are fixed on us that our eyes are fixed on Jesus no matter what happens.  It means going through life acutely aware of God’s presence and seeking only his approval.

Even if we’re not a prophet during troubled times, God’s longing for us is that we live for an Audience of One.

John Whitsett

Prayer: Heavenly Father—so many times I’m tempted to play it safe or hold back because my words or actions may not be well received.  Help me to be more fully alive for an Audience of One.  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 117.1-2

1 Praise the Lord, all nations! Extol him, all peoples!

2 For great is his steadfast love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord!