Will You Stand or Will You Kneel?

Today is Christmas Eve, and while the world prepares for celebrations, our journey through the Bible brings us to a moment of intense confrontation and remarkable bravery. Steve Webb leads us through Jeremiah 22-26, where the prophet faces a choice that resonates deeply with the challenges of our modern world. From the halls of kings to the courts of the temple, the message remains clear. God demands justice, faithfulness, and the courage to speak truth even when it is unpopular.

Entities Mentioned

• Jeremiah: The “weeping prophet” who showed nerves of steel when confronted by an angry mob.
• Jehoiakim: The king of Judah who sought to silence God’s messengers.
• Nebuchadnezzar: The Babylonian king used as an instrument of judgment.
• Silent Night: The iconic carol celebrating its 203rd anniversary today.
• Lottie Moon: The dedicated missionary to China who gave her life in service to others.

Why This Matters

In a world of “cancel culture” and societal pressure, the story of Jeremiah serves as a powerful blueprint for believers. Jeremiah was a quiet, retiring man who did not seek the limelight, yet he refused to dilute God’s message. His life reminds us that our future is often in our own hands based on how we respond to God’s call for repentance. Standing for the truth is rarely easy, but it is always necessary.

Commentary: The Trial of a Prophet

When Jeremiah spoke against the city of Jerusalem, he was immediately met with a death threat from a mob of priests, prophets, and citizens. They viewed him as a traitor against the city. However, Jeremiah did not respond with anger or defiance. He spoke matter-of-factly, reminding them that his message was from God. In a surprising turn, the officials realized that Jeremiah was not the one on trial. Rather, the people were the ones being tested. This episode challenges us to consider our own courage. Will we stand for the undiluted truth of God when the world demands we kneel?

Verse of the Day: Jeremiah 23:5-6

“See, the days are coming,” says the Lord, “when I will raise up for David a right and good branch. He will rule as king, and be wise, and do what is right and fair and good in the land. In his days Judah will be saved, and Israel will be safe. And this is the name he will be called by, the Lord who makes us right and good.”

Read the full context at BibleGateway.com.

On This Date in Church History

On December 24, 1818, “Silent Night” was heard for the first time in Oberndorf, Austria. Written by Joseph Mohr and composed by Franz Gruber, it has become a timeless Christmas carol. We also remember Lottie Moon, who died on this date in 1912. She was an American Baptist missionary who suffered alongside the Chinese people during a terrible famine, eventually dying of starvation while sharing her food with others.

Support the Show

This show is listener-supported. If you find value in these daily readings, please consider returning a portion of that value at lifespringmedia.com/support. Your donations help keep the Lifespring! Family Audio Bible on the air.

Join the conversation at lifespringmedia.com or send your prayer requests to prayer.lifespringmedia.com.