Jeremiah 15:1, 2; 11-16
from January 18, 2006
The clown's antics, the lion tamer's bravery, the high wire acrobats' daredevilry--they are all elements that make the circus an intriguing event for young and old alike. Wide-eyed children especially are awestruck at the sights and sounds inside the big top.
I was no different on those occasions when I was able to attend the Shrine Circus downtown. In addition to the acts mentioned above--and the cotton candy, I was curiously interested in the little lizards sold by the vendors. That's right, I wanted one of those chameleons.
I envisioned myself amazing my friends as I placed the chameleon on any surface and we watched his skin change to match it. At least, that is how it always worked in the cartoons. As I remember it, I was advised against squandering money on something that would be dead in two days.
The prophet Jeremiah was not a bullfrog, nor was he a chameleon. He did not change to match his surroundings. While the sin of the nation was about to result in God's judgment, Jeremiah remained true to God and His word. In verse 16, Jeremiah tells God, "Your word was the joy and rejoicing of my heart."
When we immerse ourselves in the Word of God that way, when the Bible becomes the "joy and rejoicing" in our life, we too will be able to withstand the temptation to blend in with every passing whim of the prevailing popular culture that seems to resist or ignore God at every turn.
It is then that we are able to show our true colors.
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