Optimism is a Must

“It may be they will present their supplication before the LORD, and will return every one from his evil way: for great is the anger and the fury that the LORD hath pronounced against this people.” (Jer 36:7 AV)

Jeremiah went through an astounding transformation of attitude from earlier in the book.  He had wanted to quit because no one was heeding the warning he was called to preach.  He knew the LORD was determined to send the kingdom of Babylon against disobedient Judah.  He knew, more than likely, Judah was not going to repent and turn back to God.  Furthermore, he makes this statement from a prison cell.  The Jewish king has locked him up because he doesn’t appreciate the prophets preaching.  Yet, his instruction to Baruch, his trusted aid, was to read the word of God in the company of the king and princes in the hope they will still repent and return.  This is optimism in light of reality.  This is the balance we preachers and soul-winners should have when we share the gospel with a lost and dying world.  This is the optimism we should carry when dealing with those who profess Christ yet live apart from Him and His people.  More than likely, people will not change.  But perhaps the will!

This principle holds true in many areas of life.  My youngest son played baseball most of his youth and into his young adult life.  He was an above average pitcher but his batting average was well above average.  He played for an inner-city High School.  Most of the players had little talent and even less interest in succeeding on or off the field.  I was really impressed with the head coach.  He loves those kids more than he loved the game of baseball.  He was more interested in them succeeding in life as he was winning games.  It showed in practice and standards for playing.  He required a certain GPA.  He required faithfulness to practice and games.  Of all those kids he coached, most would wash out.  In baseball and in life.  But there were a few who would not.  My son was one.  But there was another young man who was a pure athlete.  He was the team’s shortstop.  His name escapes me, but I can still remember what he looked like.  The coach rode him because he could see the potential.  He would not let up pushing him to attain higher and higher standards.  Eventually this young man went on to play college ball.  Coach did not let the fact the majority of his team would wash out in life as discouragement from investing in one that would not.  He would not allow the reality that most of these young people would never reach their potential as an excuse not to reach their potential while under his coaching.  Because of his commitment, this team won a regional playoff game by pitching a no-hitter and scoring a few runs.  It would be the first playoff game they had won in over fifteen years.

The point is this.  We can share the gospel or minister God’s word with one of two attitudes. We can carry the negative attitude that it will do no good, or, we can change our attitude like Bro Jeremiah here and hold out hope until the end.  Yes, we know the majority of the world will reject Christ.  Eventually.  But maybe not just yet.  Who knows what God can do with a servant who is willing to believe in the impossible?  That is what Jeremiah did.  And he was in far worse circumstance of ministry.