Be not proud, for the Lord has spoken

To the editor:

Over 2,500 years ago, the prophet Jeremiah spoke to the people of Judah. As a whole nation, he called them evil. Why? For three reasons: they “refuse to hear my words,” “stubbornly follow their own heart,” and “have gone after other gods to serve them and worship them.” (Jeremiah 13:10) God proclaimed judgment upon them due to their evil ways. This month many in our nation celebrate “Pride Month” and the city of Marshall gladly joins the bandwagon. Plans include a celebration of perversity, including events specifically aimed to attract children and indoctrinate them into the LGBTQ worldview, and an ecumenical “church service” whereby “pastors” will twist the Scriptures by calling good evil and evil good, and thereby blaspheme God’s holy name. The homosexual agenda and transgender craze are just examples of how we as a nation refuse to hear God’s words, preferring to follow our own hearts and worship other gods of our own making rather than the one true God, as revealed in Scripture. Yet there remains hope. Jeremiahs words ring with the sweet, clear sound of God’s grace for those who will repent and believe: “Hear and give ear; be not proud, for the Lord has spoken. Give glory to the Lord your God before he brings darkness…” (vv. 15-16a). God is calling on all men everywhere to repent and believe the good news. “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost” is a verse that most true Christians can relate to (1 Timothy 1:15b). Undoubtedly there will be those who declare this letter to be hateful and bigoted. Rather, we write with a heart of empathy and love for those in need of the glorious gospel of Christ Jesus. Turn to Christ, repent, and believe the good news of salvation in him alone. “Be not proud, for the Lord has spoken.” (Jer. 13:15b)

John Tramm, Pastor

Richard Eilders, Elder

Radiant Life Church, Marshall, MN