If I say, “I will not mention Him or speak any more in His name,” His message becomes a fire burning in my heart, shut up in my bones, and I become weary of holding it in, and I cannot prevail. — Jeremiah 20:9

Jeremiah tried to hold back God's word, but he couldn't — it was a fire shut up in his bones, and he was weary of holding it in. Paul felt the same compulsion: Woe is me if I do not preach the Gospel. The love of Christ constrains us. When God's word takes hold of you, it's not a hobby — it's a fire that has to come out. Peter and John couldn't help but speak of what they'd seen and heard.

So He said to them again, “Truly, truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. — John 10:7

Jesus says plainly: I am the door. There's only one way into the sheepfold, and it's through Him. When He died, the veil of the temple was torn in two, opening a new and living way through His flesh. Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God. Through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father.

Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who by grace has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope, — 2 Thessalonians 2:16

Paul calls God our Father and Christ our Lord the source of everlasting consolation and good hope through grace. This isn't a temporary comfort that fades when hard times hit. By one offering He has perfected forever those who are sanctified. The gifts and calling of God are irrevocable. For here we have no continuing city, but we seek one to come.

I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers. I will put My words in his mouth, and he will tell them everything I command him. — Deuteronomy 18:18

Moses promised that God would raise up a Prophet like him from among the people. That Prophet is Christ, the one Mediator between God and men. Moses was faithful as a servant in God's house, but Christ is faithful as a Son over His own house. What Moses couldn't do — bring the people into the promised rest — Christ accomplishes completely. He speaks God's words perfectly because He is the Word made flesh.

Take me away with you—let us hurry! May the king bring me to his chambers. We will rejoice and delight in you; we will praise your love more than wine. It is only right that they adore you. — Song of Solomon 1:4

The bride prays, Draw me, and we will run after You. That's the order — His drawing always comes before our running. I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you. And Jesus said, If I be lifted up, I will draw all men to Myself. We love because He first loved us.

He who sacrifices a thank offering honors Me, and to him who rights his way, I will show the salvation of God.” — Psalm 50:23

God says plainly: whoever offers praise glorifies Me. You were bought with a price, so glorify God in your body and in your spirit. You're a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. Let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His name. Whatever you do in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

When he calls out to Me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble. I will deliver him and honor him. — Psalm 91:15

God's promise is profoundly personal: He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him. I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him. Jabez called on the God of Israel and God granted his request. Asa cried out, Lord, it's nothing for You to help, and the Lord struck down their enemies. O You who hear prayer, to You all flesh will come.

In my alarm I said, “I am cut off from Your sight!” But You heard my plea for mercy when I called to You for help. — Psalm 31:22

David spoke too quickly in his panic — I am cut off from before Your eyes — but even as the words left his mouth, God had already heard him. Depression and despair speak lies: I'm forgotten, I'm abandoned. But like the psalmist, you need to remember the years of the right hand of the Most High. I would have lost heart unless I had believed I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. You're not cut off.

But as for you, do you seek great things for yourself? Stop seeking! For I will bring disaster on every living creature, declares the LORD, but wherever you go, I will grant your life as a spoil of war.” — Jeremiah 45:5

The Lord's word to Baruch cuts through our ambition: seek great things for yourself? Don't. We follow a Savior who made Himself of no reputation, took the form of a servant, and humbled Himself to death on a cross. Learn from Him, for He is gentle and lowly in heart. Godliness with contentment is great gain.

Their Redeemer is strong; the LORD of Hosts is His name. He will fervently plead their case so that He may bring rest to the earth, but turmoil to those who live in Babylon. — Jeremiah 50:34

Jeremiah declares that Israel's Redeemer is strong — the Lord of Hosts is His name, and He will thoroughly plead their case. No enemy is stronger than your Redeemer. Where sin abounded, grace abounded much more. He's able to keep you from stumbling and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy (Jude 24). He ever lives to make intercession for you.