"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:
- Giving Him the words to say to the people of Judah. (Verse 9)
- Giving Him the ability to stand up against nations without letting fear get in the way. (Verse 8 & 10)
- Reminding Jeremiah that He will tell him where to go, He will always be with him and will protect Him. (Verse 8)
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.
Well written, I read it twice and lost my first attempt at posting a comment. The Blog creates more questions than answers provided. I'll address just one for now... Omitted is mans free will, even with God in charge. That's what makes man special. See JOB 1:9-12
ReplyDeleteThen Satan answered the Lord, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face. And the Lord said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the Lord. (Job 1:9-12 KJV)
It's true God knows all so why didn't he just tell Satan, "He knew Jobs life before he was born, and he wasn't going to curse him?"
Is it because until man free will generates a thought it doesn't exist? Even scripture reads AND WHEN JESUS KNEW THEIR THOUGHTS... God knows the heart of man, but that's a byproduct of his thoughts.
Summarization: God in charge with plans for our lives threw a monkey wrench into the mix - MANS FREE WILL.
Indeed, there is God's permissive will and God's divine will. Both are from Him. God's permissive will is usually a result of our self-centeredness (the sinful nature of man) while His divine will requires for us to put Him at the center. Even while we have still followed our own will instead of God's, from what I've come to understand is He is still in control and it still usually does not surprise Him. This is why He tells us to take up our cross daily. Even after we have chosen our will over His, He still gives us a chance to choose His will again. As you continue to read in Jeremiah, God will give us warnings. That's where our free will comes in. But even after Judah's sin led to their destruction, still God said I will restore you if you repent and turn away from your sins.
DeleteSummarization:
There is man's free will. There is also God's divine will and God's permissive will. We have the free will to choose either. However, even if we choose our will over His, He is merciful.