The Pulpit Commentary — Jeremiah — Volume 1 — Section 15

(2) Sensitiveness inclines to diffidence. There is a confidenco ,vhich depends simply on dcnsene11s and callousness. Acute feeling is a great hindrance to bold action. Jeremiah felt the miseries of his nation deeply, and it was pccnliarly difficult for such a man to assume the position of a stern censor. (3) Humility leads to diffidence. If we think little of ourselves we are not likely to be forward in accepting posts· of responsibility. 2. Now, this diffidence is an evil thing. It may not be sinful in its origin, but perfectly ·,nnocent, and even a mark of amiable characteristics. Dut it is injurious in its effects, and becomes positively guilty if indulged in when God has provided us ·n1eans for over- coming it. The most gifted are often the most diffident. Hence if they yielded to their reluctance to fulfil their vocation, the greatest and best ,vork of the world would be left undone. There is also a danger lest diffidence should become an excuse for indolence, selfishness, and cowardice. If unrestrained it will lead to these vices. People are often greatly to blame for shrinking from posts of responsibility, although they may even imagine they are earning the honours of modesty and humility. • • • II. Gon PROVIDES MEANS FOR OVERCOMING DIFFIDENCE. God never calls a man to imy work without securing to him the means for performing it. Thus having called Jeremiah to his service, God sends help for overcoming the young man's diffidence.' 1. The consciousness of a Divine mission. "Thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee!'·· It is well to feel that we are not doing our own work but God's. U we fa.il,what does that matter to us so long as we are doing his will? The thought of duty is itself an in- spiration. We are not simply to attempt what we imagine to be a good thing; we are called for a purpose, sent on a mission, and the thought that we are about our Father's business should allay the l1esitation of natural diffidence. The ambassador is armed with t.he authority of his master and backed by his master's power. The prophet is sent by God with God's authority. All who are working God's will are similarly supported by God's authoiity. 2. The realization of the presence of God. "I am wi~h thee."- We may be diffident while we look to self; but when we look away to God we see'the Source of strength and victory. Indeed, our very diffidence may be a means of securing our true strength by making us seek the help of God. Self-distrust may. lead to trust in God. Thus wLen weak in ourselves we may become strong in him (2 Cot', xii. 10). If we go i1;1 God's strength we have no more occasion to feat, since success no longer depends on olir ability but on his assistance. 3. The direct inspiration of the Spirit of God. "Behold I have put my words in thy mouth." God is not only present by our side to assist and deliver us, but be is within the soul, infusing light and power. The prophet fears he cannot speak the needed words. The words he is to speak are not his own but God's. He is the messenger, God is the real speaker. If then he can but discern·the voice of God within him, and interpret this to the people, all diffidence arising from his own . imcompetence should vanish. Every work which is done for God can only proceed from God, and when it does thus come from God we need not fear its failure. God can accomplish his own will in us as well as by his immediate actions in the world, Ver. 10.-The power of prophecy. L THERE IS A POWER m PilOPHEOY. Prophecy is not simply a light, a revelation of truth ; it is also a voice of authority, a means of active influence, a power. The Divine word in the prophet is like the Divine word in nature-an energizing word. God speaks, and it is done. The New Testament references to prophecy are made in obedience to this thought. The fulfilment of prophecy is there quoted not so much, as in modern evidential literature, as a proof of supernatural foresight, but rather as the effect of a Divine power which has realized the purpose of the ancient Word of God. This or that is said to be done" that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet." God's Word is always a power (Heb. iv. 12). The Bible is not simply a revelation; it is a means of influence. The preacher should see \hat he is clothed with power. His mission ie to influence as well as to teach. II. THE SOUI\CES OF THE POWER OF PROPHECY ARE SPIRITUAL, The authority con- ferred on Jeremiah is not that of the secular arm. He is to exert his influence by no material force. His power is different in kind from that of a political government. '1'he claim of the-papal anthority founded on this verse is unwarranted, since this does not confer the power c,fthe sword but direct spiritual influence. Neither is the power of prophecy in the least allied to magic or sorcery.' It ie not a miraculous material force. I. It is the power of truth. Truth i~ strong; knowledge is power, 'l'he prophet sees OH. I. 1-l!J.] '£HE IlOOK OF 'l'HE PROPllET JEREMIAH. 7