SCRIPTURE: Jeremiah 1
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
Then the Lord reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, “Now, I have put my words in your mouth. See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.” [Jeremiah 1:9-10]
Jeremiah is given a frightening mission: proclaim God’s anger towards Israel because of their immorality [Jeremiah 1:16].
He is to be God’s messenger of “bad news”, and so he can count on facing a harsh response.
But God assures Jeremiah that he has God’s backing (today I appoint you) and God’s help (My words in your mouth) and God’s protection.
They will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord. [Jeremiah 1:19]
And the gospel must first be preached to all nations. Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit. [Mark 13:10-11]
Jesus appoints His followers with a message of “good news” (which includes the bad news of sin and judgment and the need for repentance), and also warns them that they will face a harsh response as well.
But they are not on their own: they are commissioned by the One Who holds all authority in heaven and on earth, and He will be with them to the very end of their mission [Matthew 28:18-20].
And by His Spirit, He will give them the words to speak as well.
Just like Jeremiah…
Called, equipped and protected, this is the assurance for every Jesus follower sent by Him into the world as His witness!
What does it mean to actually have the Lord place His words in our mouth?
I can think of two ways that this happens: (1) through bible reading and (2) by the Holy Spirit.
When we feed our minds on the bible, and when we open ourselves to the Spirit, depending on Him, then God’s message takes root in us and is expressed through us, whether we realize it or not.
We are not passive in the process, we must be receptive!
Right now, the Spirit is planting God’s message in me:
I am chosen and called to witness for Christ
He has given me His message and His Spirit in my heart.
He will speak through me, protect me and accomplish His purpose through me.
Will I believe it, and will I speak?
You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you. [Jeremiah 1:7-8]
PRAYER:
Lord, I know You have called me, but if I am honest, I am afraid to speak up for You – afraid of what others might think, say or do in response.
Speaking the very words of God!
How often do I feel inadequate with my input and therefore remain silent. I make the very excuse that Jeremiah made. Yet I too have the promise. He knew me before time. He knew what I would do. He knows His own. He knows all His sheep of His fold.
I no longer have the excuse that I am too young. I must rely on His word and go forward each day in His power for He will give all that I need. I need to be dependent and not independent. I need to be His champion for He has equipped me with all that I need. As He promised Jeremiah with His presence, His presence is also with me. All I need to do is to go forward in that presence each day so that I may be His LightShine. Trust and obey. Take courage. I, the Lord God says, am with you always! Wow! What a promise. What a Saviour!
There is a Savior what joys express
His eyes are mercy
His word is rest
For each tomorrow
For yesterday
There is a Savior
Who lights our way!