Jeremiah 1:5-10
“Before I shaped you in the womb, I knew all about you. Before you saw the light of day, I had holy plans for you: A prophet to the nations— that’s what I had in mind for you.” But I said, “Hold it, Master GOD! Look at me. I don’t know anything. I’m only a boy!” - GOD told me, “Don’t say, ‘I’m only a boy.’ I’ll tell you where to go and you’ll go there. I’ll tell you what to say and you’ll say it. Don’t be afraid of a soul. I’ll be right there, looking after you.” GOD’s Decree. - GOD reached out, touched my mouth, and said, “Look! I’ve just put my words in your mouth—hand-delivered! See what I’ve done? I’ve given you a job to do among nations and governments—a red-letter day! Your job is to pull up and tear down, take apart and demolish, And then start over, building and planting.”
“ I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.” “O Sovereign LORD,” I said, “I can’t speak for you! I’m too young!” The LORD replied, “Don’t say, ‘I’m too young,’ for you must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you. And don’t be afraid of the people, for I will be with you and will protect you. I, the LORD, have spoken!” Then the LORD reached out and touched my mouth and said, “Look, I have put my words in your mouth! Today I appoint you to stand up against nations and kingdoms. Some you must uproot and tear down, destroy and overthrow. Others you must build up and plant.”
If I imagine hearing God say these words to me, it would be terrifying. Again, God has chosen to work through someone’s weakness and insecurity. The words he will give to Jeremiah will certainly lead to trial and persecution. Yet God says it is a “red letter day.” Two different perspectives collide, Devine and human. Jeremiah shows us what to do when living in troublesome times, imprisoned by our own identity. We must step out in faith and follow our leader, Almighty God.
Lord, I am imprisoned by this illness. I have no will to fight it, to live. Help me to break outside this wall into the wide-open world you call me to. Forgive me weakness. Help me to run my race well and keep fighting.