Jeremiah

Reading along in Jeremiah right now...whose taking heat for speaking the truth.  Have you ever spoken truth to someone and then suffered?  Either because they didn't want to hear, misunderstood your intentions, or couldn't grasp the significance of what was said?

Every time we speak truth, whether as an admonishment, or simply proclaiming the gospel we will suffer - not always - but usually people (ourselves included) don't want to be told the truth.

Truth - you are a sinner, you deserve eternal damnation and separation from God.  Outside the grace of God you will remain an enemy of God.

Granted that's a bit stark, we tend to candy coat our words...we want to speak truth, but not really in a way that might cause us to be ostracized or on the 'outside'.  So how bold for speaking (or receiving) the truth are you?

I was pondering upon the difference between Jeremiah and Urijah.  The name Urijah is mentioned in 2 Kings; however it's not the same man. Used again in Nehemiah but who is the the son of Koz.

Urijah - H223 - From H217 and H3050; flame of Jah; Urijah, the name of one Hittite and five Israelites.

• H217 - From H215; flame, hence (in the plural) the East (as being the region of light).
• H215 - A primitive root; to be (causatively make) luminous (literally and metaphorically).
• H3050 - Contracted for H3068, and meaning the same; Jah, the sacred name.
• H3068 - From H1961; (the) self Existent or eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.

Urijah was speaking the same words as Jeremiah, yet with a different outcome:

Jer 26:20  And there was also a man that prophesied in the name of the LORD, Urijah the son of Shemaiah of Kirjathjearim, who prophesied against this city and against this land according to all the words of Jeremiah: 

Jer 26:21  And when Jehoiakim the king, with all his mighty men, and all the princes, heard his words, the king sought to put him to death: but when Urijah heard it, he was afraid, and fled, and went into Egypt; 

Jer 26:22  And Jehoiakim the king sent men into Egypt, namely, Elnathan the son of Achbor, and certain men with him into Egypt. 

Jer 26:23  And they fetched forth Urijah out of Egypt, and brought him unto Jehoiakim the king; who slew him with the sword, and cast his dead body into the graves of the common people. 

Matthew Henry Concise Commentary

When secure sinners are threatened with taking away the Spirit of God, and the kingdom of God, it is what is warranted from the word of God. Hezekiah who protected Micah, prospered. Did Jehoiakim, who slew Urijah, prosper? The examples of bad men, and the bad consequences of their sins, should deter from what is evil. Urijah was faithful in delivering his message, but faulty in leaving his work. And the Lord was pleased to permit him to lose his life, while Jeremiah was protected in danger. Those are safest who most simply trust in the Lord, whatever their outward circumstances may be; and that He has all men's hearts in his hands, encourages us to trust him in the way of duty. He will honour and recompense those who show kindness to such as are persecuted for his sake.

Ouch.

If the Lord lays something on your heart, or directs someone to 'speak' is there diligence to speak or receive?

Or rather, run and hide in fright?  Afraid of what?  Losing relationships?  Hurting feelings?  Addressing deficiencies in our lives?  How bold are we for the Lord, for His righteousness?