Jeremiah Listened – Do We?

The LORD gave me this message: "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! ... I will pronounce judgment on my people for all their evil—for deserting me and burning incense to other gods. Yes, they worship idols made with their own hands! Get up and prepare for action. Go out and tell them everything I tell you to say. Do not be afraid of them, or I will make you look foolish in front of them. ... They will fight you, but they will fail. For I am with you, and I will take care of you. I, the LORD, have spoken!" Jeremiah 1:4-9, 16-17, 19 NLT 

Youth. They can be so afraid…but then can’t we all. Are you comfortable speaking in front of a large group of people? Even a small group of people—especially with a message from the highest one? Do you think you’ll make a fool of yourself? God was giving Jeremiah the words to say—and once again, He promised to be with Jeremiah and take care of him. The Holy Spirit spoke to and through Jeremiah for more than forty years. What a message he had to deliver to the people of Israel—doom and judgment. Other nations were prophesied against also including Egypt, the Philistine, Moab, Ammon, Edom, Damascus, Arabia, Elam and Babylon. God said to “tell them everything I tell you to say.” God was speaking—and He wasn’t being soft or joking—He was serious about what He expected from the Israelites and was deeply offended by the people of the other countries, too.  

For the LORD of Heaven's Armies has not abandoned Israel and Judah. He is still their God, even though their land was filled with sin against the Holy One of Israel. Jeremiah 51:5 NLT. What a promise! God’s army of heavenly angels has not abandoned—given up on—Israel. God makes promises that He WILL keep. He is still the God of Israel…and like He has promised those who love and serve Him…He will never leave or forsake them—even if they’ve sinned again Him. He is God—He is in control. Everyone has choices—and there are repercussions for making poor or selfish choices. We still live by the opportunities for choices and consequences now. Will you choose to honor God today with your thoughts, words and actions?  

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, Jeremiah was reluctant at first to speak for You—but he was obedient. Help me to be obedient, too.

© 2015 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted. Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm