"I Appoint You!"

Jeremiah 1:1-10

The scriptures tell us that Jeremiah was a prophet who God used to warn Judah of its coming destruction if the people did not repent from their sins and return to God. Because of Jeremiah's youth, He doubted that He could be used by God. Here is what we learn about God in the first few verses.  

 

• God tells Jeremiah, "I knew you before I formed you in your mother's womb." (Verse 5)
• This verse suggest:
• As our creator, there is nothing that happens in our life that comes as a surprise to Him. Here's why; In Romans 11:26 it reads, "From Him and through Him and to Him are all things." God is the source and origin of our existence and all things both good and bad come from Him. All things must come through Him, which also suggest that He is the sustainer of all things, which holds all things together.

• If nothing comes as a surprise to our creator, this would also mean that He has a plan. God knows where you are in your life right now and He knew you would be there. Romans 11:33 & 34 reads, "How great are God's riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and His ways. Who can know the Lord's thoughts? Who knows enough to give Him advice?" God's knowledge is greater than ours. He knows all things and foresees all things. He does not need to consult with anyone about anything and He does not need assistance from anyone outside of himself.

 

• God also says to Jeremiah, "Then the Lord reached out and touched my mouth and said, I have put my words in your mouth! Today I appoint you to stand up against nations and kingdoms." (Verse 9 & 10) 
• Here's what that means for us:
• There is nothing that can thwart the plans of God. Not our youth, fear, doubt, our enemies or lack of supporters, family etc. What God says goes. ("I have spoken!") Verse 8
• This also means that God will not appoint us for something and not equip us to do it. Jeremiah's only response to God needed to be obedience. God equipped Jeremiah for the job as being a prophet by:
1. Giving Him the words to say to the people of Judah. (Verse 9)
2. Giving Him the ability to stand up against nations without letting fear get in the way. (Verse 8 & 10)
3. Reminding Jeremiah that He will tell him where to go, He will always be with him and will protect Him. (Verse 8)

What this means for us:

God has supreme authority and power over all. He is supreme ruler of all things and people because He created all things. Therefore, He is in control of all things and has a plan so that His glory might be revealed. The plans that He has for our lives cannot be thwarted or affected by anything or anyone. Therefore, in all things, we should lean on the depths of God's wisdom, knowledge and understanding when ours is limited and trust in His perfect plan.