Scripture:
Jeremiah 1:4-10 NKJV
[4] Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying: [5] “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.” [6] Then said I: “Ah, Lord God! Behold, I can not speak, for I am a youth.” [7] But the Lord said to me: “Do not say, ‘I am a youth,’ For you shall go to all to whom I send you, And whatever I command you, you shall speak. [8] Do not be afraid of their faces, For I am with you to deliver you,” says the Lord. [9] Then the Lord put forth His hand and touched my mouth, and the Lord said to me: “Behold, I have put My words in your mouth. [10] See, I have this day set you over the nations and over the kingdoms, To root out and to pull down, To destroy and to throw down, To build and to plant.”
Observation:
Most people know Jeremiah because of the 11th verse in the 29th chapter of his book. However, that’s not all he wrote. There were 29 chapters before that and more after it as well. I was drawn to verses 4-10 last night when I was thinking about a baby that had just been born to one of my employees. A beautiful baby girl. As I read verse 5, GOD started speaking to me about the part HE plays in the birth of every baby that has been created. HE tells us that before HE made Jeremiah HE knew him, before HE started putting him together in the womb, HE had a plan for Jeremiah to be a prophet to the nations. GOD had set him aside for the task and placed HIS stamp of approval on him. As this was being spoken to Jeremiah, an unsure feeling came over him, and Jeremiah started to offer up reasons as to why it would not work. Lack of credibility due to his age was the best excuse Jeremiah could come up with. But the LORD knows the purpose that HE made Jeremiah for, and the characteristics that HE specifically placed in Jeremiah was not taking no for an answer, and HIS response was timely and appropriate HE basically told Jeremiah, “Don’t worry, it won’t be you speaking. I will take care of what to say, I just need your lips to do so and your willingness as well.” That’s not all GOD had to say to him, though. HE knew the purpose for which HE had created Jeremiah and that the task would not be easy. So the LORD reassured him that he would not be alone and fear and apprehension would not be needed because HE would be with him every step of the way. Any real danger would be put to a stop. HE just needed Jeremiah to be bold and not hold back from the words that were put on his spirit to speak. Then, in an odd moment, GOD stretches HIS hand to Jeremiah’s mouth and makes the statement, “Behold I have put my words in your mouth.” Then in verse 10 GOD confirms the purpose that HE made Jeremiah for. The Jewish people had been straying away from the path tge HE had set them on and were developing some strange behaviors and beliefs. That needed to be uprooted and destroyed, and GOD’S plan for them cultivated and nourished so that the right crop would grow.
Application:
The very first question that needs to be asked is how it feels to know that GOD HIMSELF put you together inside your mother’s womb. Before you were conceived, HE had a plan and purpose for you, and HE built into you the specific characteristics you would need to complete the task. For me, it was kind of a scary feeling. I was much like Jeremiah in my response… I don’t know about this LORD. Are you sure you got the right guy? I’m afraid of public speaking, and I stumble over my words. But as the LORD developed the character that HE had planted in me with HIS own hands, it became easier to see. But it took a long road of detours and distractions to get to where I am today. However, those winding roads developed a boldness needed to remove the fear of what people think and create in me a desire to please GOD and not man. So here is kind of where we are at with all this… if you are a new believer, you probably have a newfound love for GOD’S word. That is HIS way of placing it in your mouth. Read it, study it, and feed on it. HE has a plan to use what HE is writing on your heart. Don’t stop. If you have been a believer for a while and have read the bible, GOD has started to develop characteristics in you that need to be taught to others. To help them uproot the destructive beliefs that have been installed in them. The top point is HE made you with a purpose and for a purpose. Don’t be afraid to speak the truth. Just do it out of real love for those whom GOD has created for a purpose and with a purpose. HE knew the plan for you before HE placed you in the womb. HE selected your mother and father specifically because of their characteristics and the combination of theirs. There would be exactly what is needed to create the perfect you. A you that HE wants to use… the question is, are you willing? Because HE has a plan, it may have involved some captivity so that you would learn how to seek HIM with all your heart… but it’s a good plan, one that will prosper you and not harm you. A plan that is for your future and for generations to come. Be bold, speak HIS truth HE is with you.
Prayer:
Father, we know that you made us. You knew who we would be before we ever took a breath before we spoke a word. You had a purpose for us. Honestly, we just want to follow that purpose. Help us to see it clearly. Write your word on our hearts and place it in our mouths. Develop the characteristics in us that you want to use. We do not want to be deceived or misled and do not want to deceive or mislead anyone. We want to know YOUR word because it is GODsword. But we do not want to cut the ears off of the hearers of it. So, show us how to wheeled it correctly so as to uproot the distractive behavior that seems to take your people down the wrong path. Father, we are asking that you use us. Teach us and send us. It’s in the mighty name of Jesus I pray amen.