The Fire Burning Within
Categories: Bible Study LessonsJeremiah is one of the great prophets of the Old Testament. At times, this honorable seer is referred to as the “weeping prophet,” because of the heartfelt messages he proclaimed. “And if I say, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name, then there is in my heart as it were a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I am weary with forbearing, and I cannot contain” (Jer. 20:9). These words were uttered in a time of great turmoil and ridicule as a result of Jeremiah’s preaching. The Seer informs us that he was trying to keep God’s word to himself to ease his woes, but found that the woes within him only increased. Jeremiah could not help but proclaim God’s word because of the fire burning within him. God’s word in Jeremiah was like a fire burning in a wooden box – it just wouldn’t stay in.
Nearly seven hundred years later, Peter and John were preaching the word of God and the priests and Sadducees became very angry at the apostle’s teaching. As a result, Peter and John were thrown into prison, and on the following day were threatened and told not to preach any more in the name of Christ. “But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it is right in the sight of God to hearken unto you rather than unto God, judge ye: for we cannot but speak the things which we saw and heard” (Acts 4:19-20). These courageous apostles informed those who had threatened them that God’s word was burning within them and they could not be kept from proclaiming the blessed Gospel.
Jeremiah, Peter and John all had something we need a little more of – a FIRE BURNING WITHIN! There are too many Christians who no longer have, or who have never had a fire burning within. Too many are allowing “any little old thing” to keep them from spreading the good news of the Gospel and opposing that which is contrary to truth. Paul fearlessly declared, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel: for it is the power of God unto salvation…” (Rom. 1:16). In light of this great power, should not the fire of God’s word be burning within us?
The reason men like Jeremiah had the fire burning within them was that they knew of the seriousness of making known the saving message of God in its purity. Proclaiming God’s word is serious business for “for all have sinned” (Rom. 3:23), sin separates man from God (Isa. 59:1-2), and “wages of sin is death” (Rom. 6:23). Sin comes as a result of disobeying God’s word (1 Jn. 3:4). Thus, as along a man stays in ignorance of God’s word he is without hope.
Jeremiah had a fire burning within because he cared for the lost souls of men – he cared about their eternal destiny. How concerned are we about the lost souls of men? Do we hurt knowing that millions are dying without the Gospel? Are we going to sit idly while our friends and loved ones die in sin, or will we have the fire burning within? James wrote, “that he who converteth a sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall cover a multitude of sins” (Jam. 5:20). How much do you care for the lost?