Bible Passage: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” (Jeremiah 1:5 NIV)
Scripture Reading: Jeremiah 1:1-19
The opening words of many of the books of the prophets can create a sense of longing in me, a deep frustration that teases a sense of purpose.
Reading of their calling into the plan of God, of God’s knowledge of them, and of their purpose, fosters a longing for the discovery of that same purpose in my life.
Who am I?
Am I following the right path?
Does my life actually matter?
Perhaps Jeremiah’s reluctance in chapter 1 is what resonates most.
Men long for a sense of purpose, to know that our lives matter, to create a lasting and deep impact on our world.
While we want this, the possibility can lay bare a fear of our ability to step into such greatness.
Because we try to answer questions about identity and impact through accomplishments, activities, and attributes. We point to our title, our salary—provision for those who depend on us.
But any self-evaluation that relies on performance only drives men to anxiety and fear.
God’s calling of Jeremiah must have been both startling and reassuring. In what looks a great deal like the calling of Moses (calling, reluctance, reassurance, and God’s words placed in the prophet’s mouth—Exodus 3:1-4:17), God reveals Jeremiah’s place in His plan.
Jeremiah is a servant who will be the voice of God to the wayward, frightened, and desperate children of Israel. He will be a clarion to return to the God who loves them, saved them, guided and directed them, and wants them to live for Him.
Men, take heart. Hear what God whispers to Jeremiah even before he needs encouragement:
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”
God’s calling was not contingent on Jeremiah’s performance. God did not watch Jeremiah’s faithfulness and fidelity to him and decide to draft him into service.
God called Jeremiah before birth, before he had a chance to prove himself.
Men, the same God who knew Jeremiah and formed him in the womb knew you and me.
He established our identities and values before we did anything.
If that is true, then we have nothing to prove.
This week, we will look at the book of Jeremiah and find the hope that God promises to men He has called, just like Jeremiah, you, and me.
Prayer: God, thank You that Your calling and purpose for my life is not dependent on my often-failing efforts. Help me find the courage to live faithfully, even when I fear I may not be enough. Amen.
Reflection: Have you been able to find comfort and courage in the knowledge that God has always known you, that God’s call on your life and His purpose for you is not dependent on your ability or successes?
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