In Hebrew, the word for “messenger” closely resembles the word for “burden.” In Jeremiah 23, Jeremiah employs a “play on words” to address the people of Judah, particularly their leaders. He essentially says, “Instead of serving as God’s messenger, you have become a burden to Him.” As I read his words today, I felt a heightened sense of responsibility to accurately and precisely convey the truth of God’s Word. Inaccuracy or even disingenuousness is both burdensome and perilous.
James may have had this in mind when he wrote, “Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, for you are aware that those who teach will be held more strictly” (3:1). This serves as a negative illustration of the concept of multiplication. As a leader or teacher, our words are amplified by others who, in turn, teach others. My takeaway from Jeremiah and James today is to avoid becoming a burden to God and instead, to serve as a messenger of the Good News.