Scripture Reading(s)
Jeremiah 1:4-10
1:4 Now the word of the LORD came to me saying,
1:5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”
1:6 Then I said, “Ah, Lord GOD! Truly I do not know how to speak, for I am only a boy.”
1:7 But the LORD said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am only a boy’; for you shall go to all to whom I send you, and you shall speak whatever I command you,
1:8 Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, says the LORD.”
1:9 Then the LORD put out his hand and touched my mouth; and the LORD said to me, “Now I have put my words in your mouth.
1:10 See, today I appoint you over nations and over kingdoms, to pluck up and to pull down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant.”
Reflections
God knows our innermost thoughts and deepest desires. He lovingly created us and knew exactly who we were and what we would be like even before we were born. He knew that we would have certain fears, weaknesses and strengths. He knows that there were going to be moments when we would feel inadequate to take on certain roles and yet He still chooses to use us to do His work.
When we stop and think about how deep and intimately God knows us, it should fill our hearts with so much confidence and comfort knowing that our God will give us the strength to need to face any task He gives us. He knows what makes us laugh, sad, fearful and strong. He lovingly uses those things to draw us closer to Him and to use us to be a vessel and tool to spread His word to others.
When God appoints us to do His work, He always provides the means and the strength to carry it through. Sometimes we may feel as thought God is asking things of us that are beyond our limits and strength. However, this passage reminds us that He is able to equip us for the tasks that He sets before us. One main lesson we can learn from this passage is that He does not fill our hearts with fear but with comfort. The whole point of this passage is to recognize that it is GOD’s work in us that is moving and our response is to trust in His leading and strong hand.
We can always remember that we are safe and secure in the hand of our powerful God. He is with us wherever we go. He gives us the words when we cannot speak on our own and He gives us the strength to persevere and keep pressing on.
Notice that like the calling of Elisha, Jeremiah is not called to serve God eventually. He is not called to serve God some time in the future when he is ready. He is called to serve God now; immediately.
See, today I appoint you over nations and over kingdoms (Jeremiah 1:10)
God has called each one of us to a specific calling. We may not all be like Jeremiah and we may not even like our calling. But our lives are not our own. We have a world that is ready to be reaped and the laborers are few. Let us not be distracted by money, or relationships, or the “right time.” God will prepare you for the calling. It is not on your own might that you will complete the course that God has placed in front if you.
Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, says the LORD.” Then the LORD put out his hand and touched my mouth; and the LORD said to me, “Now I have put my words in your mouth.” (Jeremiah 1:8-9)
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