|
Dear Heavenly Father, Praise You had been betrayed and forsaken by the people you loved, yet you said, “Return, faithless Israel, declares the Lord. I will not look on you in anger, for I am merciful, declares the Lord; I will not be angry forever. Return, O faithless sons; I will heal your faithlessness” (Jer 3:12, 22). What amazing grace! I praise you today and exalt your name! Hallelujah! Today in Your Word Today you shared with me the beginning of Jeremiah’s ministry as your “prophet to the nations” (Jer 1:5). You told Jeremiah that you had appointed him to be your spokesman before he was even conceived. This means that you thought about me and planned for me long before I was born. When I’m tempted to feel insignificant or inadequate, I can remember that you have a purpose for my life, and you have always thought of me as valuable. Jeremiah was dismayed by your call—surely he was too young to be a prophet! He didn’t know how to speak, and he was afraid of proclaiming your message to “the nations.” But you told him, “Do not say, ‘I am only a youth’…and…Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, declares the Lord” (Jer 1:7–8). The truth is, Jeremiah was probably right—he most likely was too young, and he certainly was afraid. But like Jeremiah, I need to learn to see my life in terms of your presence. Just as Gideon was told, “The Lord is with you, O mighty man of valor,” so Jeremiah was told, “you shall speak…for I am with you.” This teaches me that your presence is what really matters. You will give me the strength and power to obey your commands as long as my heart is set to do your will. Jeremiah was sent to the kingdom of Judah first, and he declared in the hearing of Jerusalem, “What wrong did your fathers find in me that they went far from me, and went after worthlessness, and became worthless?” (Jer 2:5). From the time Israel entered Canaan until the present day, they had rebelled against you and worshipped other gods. “Therefore I still contend with you, declares the Lord, and with your children’s children I will contend” (Jer 2:9). Jeremiah gave example after example of how shocking Israel’s sin was, yet they refused to be ashamed and brazenly called you their ‘Father’ saying, “Surely you won’t be angry forever! Surely you can forget about it!” Your reply? “So you talk, but you keep on doing all the evil you can!” (Jer 3:4–5 NLT). What is it that you wanted from your people? “Return, O Israel…break up your fallow ground…circumcise yourselves to the Lord; remove the foreskin of your hearts!” (Jer 4:1–4). More than anything, you wanted sincere repentance and loving obedience. May this always be true of my heart and life! Reflection You promised to be with Jeremiah and take care of him, but you never promised to keep his life free from trouble. So it is with me. The storms of life will come, but you will protect me and keep me strong. Request Father, remind me that what matters most is your presence in my life. If you are with me, who can be against me? (Rom 8:31). Help me remain faithful to the task to which you have called me. Thanksgiving Thank you for the life of Jeremiah! He is an inspiring example of what you can do when I put my hand in yours and cling to you in love. Hallelujah! In Jesus’ name, Amen. Suggested Hymn: “I'll Go Where You Want Me to Go” — Mary Brown. Meditation Verse: Jeremiah 1:12. |