PROPHET JEREMIAH

Jeremiah 1:5

Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I dedicated you, a prophet to the nations I appointed you.

Only a matter of minutes before I begin my talk. But days before this, I have rehearsed what I will be saying, how I will move and what jokes I will tell to keep my audience alive. All of these, I have envisioned in my mind. In effect, I have already made a mental picture on how the talk will go and be delivered so my audience will learn more from it. I have a “baby” in my mind ready to be born. Hopefully, the people would appreciate “him” and accept “him” in their hearts and minds.

Similarly, we were not born accidentally. We should realize that we were born for a reason, for a mission. Jeremiah’s call by God teaches how intimately God know us. He valued us before anyone else knew we would exist. He cared for us while we were in our mother’s womb. He planned our life while our body was still being formed. He values us more highly than we value ourselves.

Jeremiah had to depend on God’s love as he developed endurance. His audiences were usually antagonistic or apathetic to his messages. He was ignored; his life was often threatened. He saw both the excitement of a spiritual awakening and the sorrow of a nation returning to idolatry. With the exception of the good king Josiah, Jeremiah watched king after king ignore his warnings and lead the people away from God. He himself was severely persecuted. Finally, he watched Judah’s defeat at the hands of the Babylonians. He endured because his faith was firmly rooted in God. Even when he was discouraged and downtrodden, Jeremiah’s heart for God overcame his strong negative emotions.

The child in the womb is the product of His creative power and not the result of evolution. Our allegiance is His right, for He is our maker. He commands us, therefore, to submit to His rule. Know the reason why you are here on earth, and finish that mission, all for the glory of God.

Almighty Father, You called me through the love that I have for You to endure. You will be my strength that upholds me, You will be my mercy that will sustain me and my grace that will cover me. Amen +

Be my rock of refuge, a stronghold to give me safety.