Few are the hearts which do not beat faster as Old Glory, bathed in the stout rhythm of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” passes in the annual 4th of July parade. These patriotic colors fade and grow dull, however, when compared to the blood stained banner of Prince Immanuel. “God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of Christ my Lord.”  The artist must plead for divine assistance to produce a picture rivaling that painted by Paul in Ephesians 6:13-20. Lives there a Christian soul which thrills not to overflowing each time he gazes upon the wonderful word-picture of the Christian soldier, armed for battle and ready to plunder the camp of Satan?
     Across this soul-stirring silhouette are engraved the divine commands: “Watch ye! Stand fast in the faith! Quit you like men! Be strong!” Or again, “Contend earnestly!”  And yet another call to arms, “Reprove, rebuke...with all long-suffering and teaching!”  Error has cast its smothering shroud over many a heart until its faith becomes but a smoking flax. It cannot endure sound doctrine. Against such, the two edged sword is ever drawn and poised for the thrust.
     The heroism of our forefathers leads us on as we stand for America’s life-giving freedoms. But we are not without heroes in rebuking religious error. Few have delivered such scathing rebukes as that of Jeremiah when Judah had wandered from the Ancient of Days. He wrote, “They shall die grievous deaths: they shall not be lamented, neither shall they be buried; they shall be as dung upon the face of the ground; and they shall be consumed by the sword, and by famine; and their dead bodies shall be food for the birds of the heavens, and for the beasts of the earth” (Jeremiah 16:4). Jeremiah lacked no courage. Undaunted by his own lack of popularity, he stood fearless in the face of false prophets.
     However, it was not a pleasant task. It was not a game with Jeremiah, nor should it be so in the lives of men of God today. Jeremiah’s heart was heavy with anxiety because he was called upon to rebuke error. He did not enjoy it!  In his dismay he cried out, “Oh that I could comfort myself against sorrow!  my heart is faint within me...For the hurt of the daughter of my people am I hurt; I mourn; dismay hath taken hold on me!” (Jeremiah 8:18-22).
     In rebuking error, Jeremiah was a giant of might...yet remembered today as the weeping prophet of Judah. His was a duty which punctured pride and humbled the soul.
     God give us men who will fight for the right they adore!  As never before, we need 20th century (21st century, DG) Jeremiahs!  It is appalling, however, to see the results of the way in which some rebuke error. The trail of bruised souls and broken hope left in the wake of some who proclaim the gospel has no counterpart in the life of him whose steps we follow. One gospel preacher takes delight in challenging every false teacher he meets to a public debate. Another is heard to chuckle as he tells friends about how he “clipped the wings” of a denominational preacher and forced him to “tuck his tail” and run. Could it be possible, brethren, that this has become a childish sport with some of us?  (Listen, as in the distance, one who went out from us re-echoes, “A spiritless religion!”). Those who seem to receive a certain thrill and unspeakable joy while rebuking error, have little of the spirit of the Master.
     Contend earnestly for the faith. Preach the word in season and out. Pray for the courage which lifted the Son of God as he pronounced the seven woes to the faces of the Pharisees and scribes. As Paul, let us beg the prayers of the brethren on our behalf, “that...I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak” (Ephesians 6:20). But let us also pray for an all consuming love for precious souls,   which   will   plant   the  heartbreak  of  the weeping prophet of Judah in our own sermons of rebuke. “Who is weak and I am not weak? Who is caused to stumble and I burn not?” (2 Corinthians 11:29).
     Follow the steps of the Master as he courageously drove the money-changes from the temple, or delivered the seven woes. But follow those same steps further. Find them as they stop...overlooking the former city of God, Jerusalem.  See the footprints dampened by the teardrops of him who has been just commanded by duty to give one of the strongest rebukes of his ministry. Hear the words of a broken heart, as drowned in tears they cry, “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, that killeth the prophets, and stoneth them that are sent unto her!  How often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chick under her wings, and ye would not!” (Matthew 23:37).
     The furrows of sorrow and regret upon his mature brow in this terrible moment, are a far cry from the joking conversation of some whose chests heave high at the opportunity to rebuke error. The real soldier is deeply grieved when the clarion call to attack rends the silent veil of night.
     Defend the truth. Declare it from the house-tops. Keep it pure and preach it tirelessly. But handle each soul...not like a toy for childish amusement, but as if it were precious enough to require the precious blood of Christ for its cleansing (1 Peter 1:18f).—Firm Foundation, Tuesday, February 22, 1955