Jeremiah is known as “the weeping prophet.”  He kept warning the people of Judah of God’s approaching judgment at the hands of the Babylonians.  They ignored his warnings.  God even instructed Jeremiah not to pray for the people. “Pray no more for these people, Jeremiah.  Do not weep or pray for them, for I will not listen to them when they cry out to me in distress” (Jer. 11:14). The pain and sorrow that God felt for “hardened rebels” was experienced by Jeremiah himself. 

Jeremiah knew he would live in the midst of God’s judgment.  That is the background of his prayer in 10:23-5. “This prayer of Jeremiah entered into the prayer life of the exiles as well.  This is clear from the way the words are built into Psalm 79, a psalm of lament that clearly comes from the stinging trauma of those who survived the destruction Jeremiah foretold” (Bible Speaks Today).  “Do not hold against us the sins of the fathers; may your mercy come quickly to meet us, for we are in desperate need” (Ps. 79:8). 

Jeremiah’s prayer can be instructive for us today, living in what Eugene Peterson called “disruptive times.”  Could our current cultural crisis be a sign of God allowing his judgment to come upon us as a nation?  If so, believers will be caught in the middle of this collapse. Jeremiah can help us as we journey through any dark days ahead.

Jeremiah then affirms God’s sovereignty and the limits of finding our way through the darkness.  “Lord, I know that people’s lives are not their own; it is not for them to direct their steps” (Jer. 10:23).  Proverbs 20:9 also reminds us, “In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.”  

Remember that history is God’s story.  He sees the beginning from the end.  Isaiah reminds us, “I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come.  I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please'” (Is. 46:10).  The future of our nation is in his hands.  He will guide our steps through whatever He allows to happen.  Begin to see yourself as part of the faithful remnant (Rom. 11:1-5).

In the midst of what he saw coming, Jeremiah prays for himself.  “So correct me, Lord, but please be gentle.  Do not correct me in anger, for I would die” (Jer. 10:24 NLT).  Jeremiah in his prayer identifies with the people.  He asks the Lord to be merciful in the midst of judgment.    

We may very well be experiencing the judgment of God on a culture that has turned its back on him, but we can pray for God’s mercy to see us through whatever he sends upon us. Referring to the deeds of God in the past, Habakkuk prayed, “Renew then in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy” (Hab. 3:2b). 

Finally, Jeremiah appeals to the justice of God.  “Vent your anger on the godless nations, who refuse to acknowledge you, and on the people who won’t pray to you” (Jer. 10:25 Message).  The prophet asks God to deal with the enemies of his people.  He is leaving the judging of the nations in the hands of God, since God knows the intentions of the heart. 

In the end, we cry out for God to be merciful, knowing that God in his justice must bring judgment.  We leave those opposed to God in his hands.  We are not responsible.  Vengeance belongs to God, not to us. 

“A contact sport.”  When I saw this theme for a United Methodist Men’s national gathering, I thought to myself: “Blog.”  “The practice of discipleship is a ‘contact sport’ and cannot be ignored,” explained the event’s organizers.  “Most members of the United Methodist Church can recite the mission statement of our church… What appears to be missing in many places is a systematic way within local churches to make disciples that are transforming the world.”  This is certainly a challenge for each man reading this blog, including myself.

Being a former high school “jock” (Class of ’59), I think of the smell of sweat when I think of contact sports.  That sent me to II Cor. 2:15: “Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God.  But this fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and by those who are perishing.  To those who are perishing, we are a dreadful smell of death and doom.  But to those who are being saved, we are a life-giving perfume” (II Cor. 2:15). 

So, what kind of aroma do we give off in our relationships? “As the gospel aroma is released in the world through Christian testimony, it is always sweet-smelling, even though it may be received differently.  Ultimately there are two kinds of people: those who are being saved and those who are perishing” (NIVSB).

Here are four observations about aroma (sweat) and men.  First, we need to know Jesus personally.  If we are to be the aroma of Christ, Christ must be absorbed through relationship. Facts and methods will not do the job. We need to have an open spirit so Jesus can pour His presence (and aroma) into us.  Only then can we give off the aroma of Christ. You can’t fake it; it has to be real.  

Second, when I think of how men are brought to Jesus, it is usually through another man or a group of men.  There is something that is assimilated or absorbed that opens a man’s heart to God.  It was true for me.  As a younger man, I was drawn to men who simply had Christ’s presence about them.  They were giving off the aroma of Christ without knowing it.

Third, find a group of men that “gives off the aroma” of Christ. This is especially important. Remember, masculinity is not something that is primarily taught; it is rather caught and assimilated.  A group of men committed to Jesus, wanting to be honest and transparent, and willing to reach out to a “wounded” brother*, can mean the difference between life and death in a man’s life.

Fourth, there is something powerful about a group of guys who have worked up a good sweat, giving all they have for a good cause.  That is how brotherhood and unity are built. Picture a group of guys that senses, “in the Messiah, in Christ, God leads us from place to place in one perpetual victory parade.  Through us, he brings knowledge of Christ” (II Cor. 2;14 MGS).  Wow! This is real “mojo!” 

Men, take it from me: You are going to smell like something.  With all your heart, desire to give off the aroma of Christ.  Think of a group of guys doing the same thing.  I picture a football team coming out together to start the game, running through the smoke, with flags and cheerleaders urging them on. 

That’s who we are.  We are going into the conflict already knowing that we are ultimately going to win.  We want other men, even “wounded” soldiers*, to join in that “triumphal procession.

* See: Rescuing a Brother, Dec. 21, 2020