Scripture: Jeremiah 1:1-10

“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” (Jeremiah 1:10, NLT).

Observation:

Jeremiah is having a radical encounter with God. God speaks to him directly and gives him the charge to share his words with whomever God sends him to. God waves away Jeremiah’s protest that he lacks the qualifications and experience to speak the message. Instead, God promises to be with him and to protect him from those who would react badly (and they did) to his message. In a manner reminiscent of Isaiah’s experiences (Isaiah 6:1-10), God touches Jeremiah’s lips cleansing him and preparing him for this intimate relationship in which he will receive God’s Word.

Application:

Through Scripture I have access to the recorded messages that God has given his people through the ages. By God’s grace I have access to Jesus, the Word made flesh, through his Spirit that he himself placed in me. When the Good News is proclaimed, both the message of overthrowing and of victory are heard. I experience the message of uprooting, tearing down, destroying, and overthrowing when my sin is exposed. I experience the message of building and planting when I confess my sin and allow his grace to flourish.

Prayer:

Father, thank you for giving your Word. Enable me to respond to the messages which expose my sin. Uproot what is wrong. Forgive me and lead me to what is right and true. Plant your Word in me, and build me into the servant you would have me be. Cleanse my lips to be a fitting speaker of your grace. Give me courage to share your Good News with whomever you place in my path. In Jesus’ name, Amen.