Jeremiah 1:1 – 10:13
Overview
Jeremiah comes on the scene 64 years after the time of Isaiah. From a historical standpoint, it records the last prophecies to the nation of Judah just before the exile. We see that Jeremiah has been set apart to be prophet of the Lord for the nations. God gives Jeremiah the words to say and the people and places to go to give a message that will not be popular. Jeremiah will tell the nation to turn back to the Lord because they have forsaken Him and His laws. In the end, the people will not turn to God and the destruction of Judah will happen.
Scripture Jeremiah 1:6-9
6 “Alas, Sovereign LORD,” I said, “I do not know how to speak; I am too young.” 7 But the LORD said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. 8 Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the LORD. 9 Then the LORD reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, “I have put my words in your mouth. 10 See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.”
Observation
Jeremiah’s father and grandfather are priests at the temple. God had already condemned the practices of His people and priests for worshiping idols and worshiping with their lips and not their hearts. They have been put on notice by the prophesies of Isaiah and others. Now Jeremiah, a very young person, is asked to be the spokesperson for God. He too will bring warnings, condemnation and prophetic judgment to Judah. Jeremiah recognizes God as Sovereign but is afraid. God encourages Jeremiah and tells him that he must go to everyone God sends him too and say what he is told. Jeremiah has an obedient heart and is ready to serve albeit afraid. God says he will be with Jeremiah and rescue him. Most importantly the Lord touched his mouth and put His Words in Jeremiah’s mouth. This gives him confidence knowing that God is with him and has visibly changed his abilities to speak. Jeremiah has a big job ahead of him. He is appointed over nations and kingdoms to shake up, destroy and overthrow them. God will use him in a mighty way to usher in a very difficult time in the history of God’s people. They will be killed and or taken away to a foreign land as captives.
Application
God has a special purpose for each of our lives. He can use us regardless of our age. We should prepare our hearts and minds so that when God speaks to us, we will recognize His calling. We can do this by reading God’s Word and hiding it in our hearts. Walking closely with our Lord will give us comfort and confidence that he is involved in our lives. Just like Jeremiah, God can speak to us at any time and any age. Reading a little further in Jeremiah chapter 1, God tells Jeremiah to “get yourself ready!”. We should get ready so we can be used by God!
Prayer
Thank you Lord that you can use a willing heart at any age. As I continue to read your Word, I pray that it will continue to prepare me to be used by you.
