A Fire Burning in Our Hearts | Jeremiah 20:7–13 & Matthew 10:5a, 21–33
A Fire Burning in Our Hearts: Finding Courage Through Christ
At Zion Lutheran Church in Tampa, Pastor Kenneth Redmann reminds us that faithfully following Jesus Christ is not always easy. Christians throughout history have experienced seasons of joy and seasons of hardship, yet God’s Word continues to strengthen His people with hope, courage, and the promise of eternal life.
In this sermon based on Jeremiah 20:7–13 and Matthew 10:5a, 21–33, we are reminded that although the world may oppose those who confess Christ, our Lord never abandons His people. The same Gospel that sustained Jeremiah, the apostles, and the early Church continues to sustain believers today.
The Church Militant: Living Faithfully in a Hostile World
There are days in the Christian life when the Word of God feels like fire burning in our hearts, compelling and impossible to ignore. There are also days when that same Word feels costly and difficult to bear.
Today’s readings place us squarely within the reality of the Church Militant—the Church that continues to live, witness, and proclaim Christ while facing opposition from the world, the devil, and our own sinful nature.
Martin Luther once wrote:
“The Church is not a peaceful assembly but a militant army; she must fight continually.”
Yet even in this struggle, Christ remains with His Church, strengthening His people through His Word and Sacraments.
Jeremiah: The Prophet Who Wanted to Quit
Jeremiah honestly pours out his heart before the Lord:
“O LORD, you have deceived me… I have become a laughingstock all the day.”
Faithfully proclaiming God’s Word had brought him ridicule, imprisonment, rejection, and suffering.
Jeremiah reaches the point where he declares:
“I will not mention Him or speak any more in His name.”
He wanted to quit.
Yet immediately afterward comes one of Scripture’s most powerful pictures of God’s sustaining grace:
“There is in my heart as it were a burning fire shut up in my bones… and I cannot.”
The very Word that seemed to bring suffering also became the source of Jeremiah’s strength.
His despair turns into confidence:
“The LORD is with me as a dread warrior.”
And finally into praise:
“Sing to the LORD; praise the LORD! For He has delivered the life of the needy.”
Jeremiah’s story is ultimately not about human perseverance but about God’s unwavering faithfulness.
Jesus Sends His Disciples Into the Fire
In Matthew 10, Jesus prepares His disciples for the reality of Christian discipleship.
He does not promise popularity or comfort.
Instead, He tells them:
- They will be hated.
- Families will be divided.
- Persecution will come.
- The servant is not above the Master.
Jesus teaches that following Him means walking the same road that ultimately led Him to the cross.
This exposes our fears.
We naturally fear rejection, conflict, misunderstanding, and loss.
God’s Law reveals these fears honestly.
The Gospel That Drives Out Fear
Jesus does not leave His disciples overwhelmed.
Instead, three times He tells them:
“Do not be afraid.”
Why?
Because He gives them three beautiful Gospel promises:
The Truth Will Prevail
“Nothing is hidden that will not be revealed.”
God’s truth will ultimately triumph.
Your Heavenly Father Knows You
“You are of more value than many sparrows.”
Every believer is precious in the Father’s sight.
Christ Will Confess You Before the Father
“Everyone who acknowledges Me before men, I also will acknowledge before My Father.”
Jesus Himself stands as our Advocate before the Father.
These promises carried Jeremiah, the apostles, the martyrs, and faithful Christians throughout every generation.
Luther’s Picture of the Church Militant
Martin Luther understood both the cost and the privilege of confessing Christ.
He also wrote:
“Christ will not forsake His little flock, though all the world rage against it.”
The Church Militant is not defined by suffering.
It is defined by Christ.
Not by fear.
But by faith.
Not by defeat.
But by the victory already won through Jesus Christ.
The Rhythm of Law and Gospel
C. F. W. Walther taught that while God’s Law reveals our sin, God’s Gospel always predominates because only Christ saves.
Throughout today’s readings we see this beautiful rhythm.
The Law shows Jeremiah overwhelmed.
The Gospel fills him with a heart burning like fire.
The Law reveals disciples facing persecution.
The Gospel reminds them that their heavenly Father watches over them and that Christ Himself acknowledges them before the Father.
Again and again, Scripture moves us from despair in ourselves to confidence in Christ.
What This Means for Christians Today
Our culture increasingly pressures Christians to remain silent about their faith.
Many believers fear being criticized, misunderstood, or marginalized for confessing Jesus Christ.
Yet the same Lord who strengthened Jeremiah strengthens His Church today.
We have been baptized into Christ.
We receive His forgiveness.
We receive His true body and blood in the Lord’s Supper.
The Church continues forward—not by human strength—but by the power of God’s Holy Spirit.
Nothing Can Separate Us From Christ
Pastor Redmann concludes with one of the greatest promises found in Scripture:
“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?”
The answer is glorious:
Nothing.
Neither suffering.
Nor persecution.
Nor death itself.
Nothing in all creation can separate believers from the love of God found in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Jeremiah, often remembered as the “prophet of doom,” also gives us these comforting words:
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
Even in hardship, God remains faithful to His promises.
Join Us for Worship
If you are searching for Worship services Tampa, we warmly invite you to worship with us at Zion Lutheran Church.
Whether you are exploring the Christian faith or looking for a church home that faithfully proclaims God’s Word and administers His Sacraments, we would love to welcome you.
Learn more about our Traditional Lutheran worship Tampa congregation, our ministries, and opportunities for prayer and fellowship.
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