Jeremiah 1:4-10
4 Now the word of the Lord came to me saying, 5 "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations." 6 Then I said, "Ah, Lord God! Truly I do not know how to speak, for I am only a boy." 7 But the Lord said to me, "Do not say, "I am only a boy'; for you shall go to all to whom I send you, and you shall speak whatever I command you. 8 Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, says the Lord." 9 Then the Lord put out his hand and touched my mouth; and the Lord said to me, "Now I have put my words in your mouth. 10 See, today I appoint you over nations and over kingdoms, to pluck up and to pull down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant."
This history of Jeremiah’s call to his office formed a part of his first address to the people. He claimed to act by an external authority, and to speak not his own words but those of Yahweh the creator of the universe and the redeemer of Israel (see Jer_15:13; Jer_20:7, Jer_20:14-18). It was the WORD of deity that was in Jeremiah’s mouth and not just his own perspective. He was a minister of the WORD.
God tells Jeremiah what the Almighty One has been doing in Jeremiah’s life.
1. Yahweh knew Jeremiah before his body was formed in the womb.
2. Before Jeremiah was born Yahweh had set him apart to be a prophet to the nations
At this point the prophet interrupts God. Jeremiah does not know anything about before he was formed in his mother’s womb. He does not know anything about a destiny given to him before he was born. He does know who he is in the here and now. Jeremiah is sure Yahweh has chosen the wrong man.
"Sovereign LORD, I don't know how to speak; I am too young."
Jeremiah knows that he is not a skilled speaker. He is not experienced. He is not worthy to be a prophet. He does not have charisma. Who will listen to him? Yahweh can surely find a better spokesman.
The Sovereign Lord answers Jeremiah. No, do not look at your powers. Do not focus on your abilities. Your qualifications are that I am the one who is sending you and it will my WORDS in your mouth. You do not have to be a great speaker you only need to repeat what you are told. God knows that the culture will not respond well to what He has to say. Yahweh promises that He will preserve Jeremiah when the people respond with anger to the WORD.
Then Yahweh actually puts the DIVINE WORD into the mouth of the prophet. He is given the gift of the WORD of God that now is incarnate in his mouth. His mouth has become the mouth of God. Jeremiah because he is God’s prophet now has authority because he speaks for God. The authority is not in Jeremiah but in the WORD of God which has become a part of Jeremiah.
This WORD OF God will have a positive and negative impact. The judgments of God in history will uproot and destroy the agricultural economics of that day and the great cities like Jerusalem will be pull downed and overthrown. Humanities rebellion and the apostasy of God’s people will bring the just curse of God crashing down upon the world. Yet, out of the rumble the promise of God still speaks. A New Jerusalem will be built and a fruitful garden planted. The kingdom of God will come. The curse will pass away and the merciful promise will be fulfilled. The WORD OF GOD brings death and life, curse and blessing, destruction and restoration.
Today we also have the WORD of God. We proclaim both LAW and GOSPEL. The LAW brings just warnings of condemnation due to our moral rebellion and imperfection. The LAW gives us understanding of the flow of history and the principles that rule all of life. The LAW is good and spiritual but comes to us as a messenger of death because we are neither good nor spiritual. With only the LAW we would be in despair. But, as the LAW takes from us all hope in ourselves the GOSPEL gives us hope in the love of GOD found in Messiah Jesus. The GOSPEL is Yahweh’s promise to forgive and restore sinners out of condemnation and into a perfectly restored relationship. The GOSPEL is full of grace at a price we can never understand in MESSIAH’S suffering for our sins. So just like Jeremiah our message both destroys and restores.
This passage also tells us that God has a plan for every Christian which we have no choice but fulfill. Our choices are that either Yahweh has a few people like Jeremiah that “he knows” and ‘sets apart” before their birth or that this is what Yahweh has done for all of HIS people. Based on Ephesians 1:4 and Romans 8:29 it is clear Yahweh is choosing and foreknowing all of HIS children and not just the prophets. Jeremiah’s destiny is not in doubt because GOD has had it in HIS mind forever. Every Christian has been given a part in GOD’S drama and we must all play our roles. Each of us have a positive contribution to make and our success is not based on us but on GOD being with us and working in us. This perspective, if it becomes part of our life story which we repeat to ourselves in our self talk can give us great confidence, a sense of significance, and even peace in the midst of our struggles, tears, and fears.
Christocentric - Jesus the Messiah is the incarnate WORD OF GOD and is the promise of Yahweh in the flesh. (John 1:1-18)
Moral – Our authority to do our ministry is because GOD has given us our ministry. The power to do our ministry is GOD’s power in us. It is wrong to look to ourselves and either refuse ministry because of our weakness or to think we are strong enough to do it without GOD’s abundant help.
Eternal - In eternity we will fully live in the GOSPEL and be able to live the essence of the LAW. We will become the incarnation of the fulfillment of the WORD OF GOD.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for giving us GOSPEL in the midst of our sins. LORD, thank you for choosing us to be your people with a purpose.
Contemplation: You have not chosen me but I have chosen you.
Action: What part of God’s LAW do I need to hear, understand, and share? What part of the GOSPEL do I need to hear, understand, and share? With whom? Remind myself that I am a chosen child of God living a life designed for GOD’s GLORY!
“The purpose of your life is far greater than your own personal fulfillment, your peace of mind, or even your happiness. It's far greater than your family, your career, or even your wildest dreams and ambitions. If you want to know why you were placed on this planet, you must begin with God. You were born by his purpose and for his purpose.” – The Purpose Driven Life by Pastor Rick Warren P.17
Showing posts with label direction. Show all posts
Showing posts with label direction. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 02, 2010
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Genesis 45 - Purpose Behind Pain
Reading
Genesis 45
3 And Joseph said to his brothers, "I am Joseph! Is my father still alive?" But his brothers could not answer him, for they were dismayed at his presence. 4 So Joseph said to his brothers, "Come near to me, please." And they came near. And he said, "I am your brother, Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt. 5 And now do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life.
Meditation
Literal: Joseph here is showing great mercy and insight as he reveals his survival and blessing to his brothers who wished him dead. Joseph was a man rejected by his brothers, sold into slavery, falsely accused of rape, put into prison, and then exalted to the right hand of Pharaoh. He could just as easily interpret his brothers coming to him as an opportunity for vengeance as for mercy. Joseph never lost love for his family even when they abused him. This is amazing. He does test their hearts but his heart is focused on reconciliation. He has seen in God’s hand behind all of his hardships. He has seen purpose in his pain.
Christocentric: Joseph is a figure of Christ. Prophesied to be an anointed leader to whom his brothers would bow, rejected by his brothers, figuratively sacrificed in the dipping of the coat of many colors in animal blood, treated as a sinner though righteous, buried in prison, and raised up to glory. Here is the gospel in the Old Testament. Christ also forgives us though we were those who betrayed him because it was God’s will that He suffer and pay the price of our redemption. King Jesus now receives us back by grace though we deserve His wrath. Jesus is the fulfillment of all that Joseph reflected.
Moral: We are to trust that God is working all things together for good. We are to see behind events and allow this to govern our anger and desire for revenge. We are to love our enemy and treat them kindly since this is the only way to overcome evil. By doing this we imitate the gospel and reflect the truth of God in our lives.
Eternal: There will be a day when we will hear “You are forgiven” by our Lord Jesus Christ and we will be given a heavenly view of our whole history. We will see how God was at work in our most painful times to bring good to others and develop our character. We will see the full plan of God revealed and then the pain will make sense for we will be able to connect all the dots and see the wisdom behind all of Gods’ plans. This reality should help us trust God today even when we are in the dark about his plans.
Prayer: Dear Lord, help me trust you when bad things happen. Forgive me for murmuring and pouting. Give me greater faith in your plan. Help me understand more deeply what it means to have your favor. Grant me wisdom in understanding the losses and struggles we have in life. Lord have mercy on me. Lord have mercy on my family. Lord have mercy on the ministry. Lord guide us with your wisdom.
Contemplation: Trust in me with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding
Act: Today I will look to see God’s hand in the midst of my opportunities and trials. I will attempt to look on my life through Joseph’s eyes and see God’s plan in all that happens. Lord give me wisdom. Help me live a wise life. I will seek to acknowledge and trust in God presence and power today.
Genesis 45
3 And Joseph said to his brothers, "I am Joseph! Is my father still alive?" But his brothers could not answer him, for they were dismayed at his presence. 4 So Joseph said to his brothers, "Come near to me, please." And they came near. And he said, "I am your brother, Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt. 5 And now do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life.
Meditation
Literal: Joseph here is showing great mercy and insight as he reveals his survival and blessing to his brothers who wished him dead. Joseph was a man rejected by his brothers, sold into slavery, falsely accused of rape, put into prison, and then exalted to the right hand of Pharaoh. He could just as easily interpret his brothers coming to him as an opportunity for vengeance as for mercy. Joseph never lost love for his family even when they abused him. This is amazing. He does test their hearts but his heart is focused on reconciliation. He has seen in God’s hand behind all of his hardships. He has seen purpose in his pain.
Christocentric: Joseph is a figure of Christ. Prophesied to be an anointed leader to whom his brothers would bow, rejected by his brothers, figuratively sacrificed in the dipping of the coat of many colors in animal blood, treated as a sinner though righteous, buried in prison, and raised up to glory. Here is the gospel in the Old Testament. Christ also forgives us though we were those who betrayed him because it was God’s will that He suffer and pay the price of our redemption. King Jesus now receives us back by grace though we deserve His wrath. Jesus is the fulfillment of all that Joseph reflected.
Moral: We are to trust that God is working all things together for good. We are to see behind events and allow this to govern our anger and desire for revenge. We are to love our enemy and treat them kindly since this is the only way to overcome evil. By doing this we imitate the gospel and reflect the truth of God in our lives.
Eternal: There will be a day when we will hear “You are forgiven” by our Lord Jesus Christ and we will be given a heavenly view of our whole history. We will see how God was at work in our most painful times to bring good to others and develop our character. We will see the full plan of God revealed and then the pain will make sense for we will be able to connect all the dots and see the wisdom behind all of Gods’ plans. This reality should help us trust God today even when we are in the dark about his plans.
Prayer: Dear Lord, help me trust you when bad things happen. Forgive me for murmuring and pouting. Give me greater faith in your plan. Help me understand more deeply what it means to have your favor. Grant me wisdom in understanding the losses and struggles we have in life. Lord have mercy on me. Lord have mercy on my family. Lord have mercy on the ministry. Lord guide us with your wisdom.
Contemplation: Trust in me with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding
Act: Today I will look to see God’s hand in the midst of my opportunities and trials. I will attempt to look on my life through Joseph’s eyes and see God’s plan in all that happens. Lord give me wisdom. Help me live a wise life. I will seek to acknowledge and trust in God presence and power today.
Genesis 45 - Purpose Behind Pain
Reading
Genesis 45
3 And Joseph said to his brothers, "I am Joseph! Is my father still alive?" But his brothers could not answer him, for they were dismayed at his presence. 4 So Joseph said to his brothers, "Come near to me, please." And they came near. And he said, "I am your brother, Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt. 5 And now do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life.
Meditation
Literal: Joseph here is showing great mercy and insight as he reveals his survival and blessing to his brothers who wished him dead. Joseph was a man rejected by his brothers, sold into slavery, falsely accused of rape, put into prison, and then exalted to the right hand of Pharaoh. He could just as easily interpret his brothers coming to him as an opportunity for vengeance as for mercy. Joseph never lost love for his family even when they abused him. This is amazing. He does test their hearts but his heart is focused on reconciliation. He has seen in God’s hand behind all of his hardships. He has seen purpose in his pain.
Christocentric: Joseph is a figure of Christ. Prophesied to be an anointed leader to whom his brothers would bow, rejected by his brothers, figuratively sacrificed in the dipping of the coat of many colors in animal blood, treated as a sinner though righteous, buried in prison, and raised up to glory. Here is the gospel in the Old Testament. Christ also forgives us though we were those who betrayed him because it was God’s will that He suffer and pay the price of our redemption. King Jesus now receives us back by grace though we deserve His wrath. Jesus is the fulfillment of all that Joseph reflected.
Moral: We are to trust that God is working all things together for good. We are to see behind events and allow this to govern our anger and desire for revenge. We are to love our enemy and treat them kindly since this is the only way to overcome evil. By doing this we imitate the gospel and reflect the truth of God in our lives.
Eternal: There will be a day when we will hear “You are forgiven” by our Lord Jesus Christ and we will be given a heavenly view of our whole history. We will see how God was at work in our most painful times to bring good to others and develop our character. We will see the full plan of God revealed and then the pain will make sense for we will be able to connect all the dots and see the wisdom behind all of Gods’ plans. This reality should help us trust God today even when we are in the dark about his plans.
Prayer: Dear Lord, help me trust you when bad things happen. Forgive me for murmuring and pouting. Give me greater faith in your plan. Help me understand more deeply what it means to have your favor. Grant me wisdom in understanding the losses and struggles we have in life. Lord have mercy on me. Lord have mercy on my family. Lord have mercy on the ministry. Lord guide us with your wisdom.
Contemplation: Trust in me with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding
Act: Today I will look to see God’s hand in the midst of my opportunities and trials. I will attempt to look on my life through Joseph’s eyes and see God’s plan in all that happens. Lord give me wisdom. Help me live a wise life. I will seek to acknowledge and trust in God presence and power today.
Genesis 45
3 And Joseph said to his brothers, "I am Joseph! Is my father still alive?" But his brothers could not answer him, for they were dismayed at his presence. 4 So Joseph said to his brothers, "Come near to me, please." And they came near. And he said, "I am your brother, Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt. 5 And now do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life.
Meditation
Literal: Joseph here is showing great mercy and insight as he reveals his survival and blessing to his brothers who wished him dead. Joseph was a man rejected by his brothers, sold into slavery, falsely accused of rape, put into prison, and then exalted to the right hand of Pharaoh. He could just as easily interpret his brothers coming to him as an opportunity for vengeance as for mercy. Joseph never lost love for his family even when they abused him. This is amazing. He does test their hearts but his heart is focused on reconciliation. He has seen in God’s hand behind all of his hardships. He has seen purpose in his pain.
Christocentric: Joseph is a figure of Christ. Prophesied to be an anointed leader to whom his brothers would bow, rejected by his brothers, figuratively sacrificed in the dipping of the coat of many colors in animal blood, treated as a sinner though righteous, buried in prison, and raised up to glory. Here is the gospel in the Old Testament. Christ also forgives us though we were those who betrayed him because it was God’s will that He suffer and pay the price of our redemption. King Jesus now receives us back by grace though we deserve His wrath. Jesus is the fulfillment of all that Joseph reflected.
Moral: We are to trust that God is working all things together for good. We are to see behind events and allow this to govern our anger and desire for revenge. We are to love our enemy and treat them kindly since this is the only way to overcome evil. By doing this we imitate the gospel and reflect the truth of God in our lives.
Eternal: There will be a day when we will hear “You are forgiven” by our Lord Jesus Christ and we will be given a heavenly view of our whole history. We will see how God was at work in our most painful times to bring good to others and develop our character. We will see the full plan of God revealed and then the pain will make sense for we will be able to connect all the dots and see the wisdom behind all of Gods’ plans. This reality should help us trust God today even when we are in the dark about his plans.
Prayer: Dear Lord, help me trust you when bad things happen. Forgive me for murmuring and pouting. Give me greater faith in your plan. Help me understand more deeply what it means to have your favor. Grant me wisdom in understanding the losses and struggles we have in life. Lord have mercy on me. Lord have mercy on my family. Lord have mercy on the ministry. Lord guide us with your wisdom.
Contemplation: Trust in me with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding
Act: Today I will look to see God’s hand in the midst of my opportunities and trials. I will attempt to look on my life through Joseph’s eyes and see God’s plan in all that happens. Lord give me wisdom. Help me live a wise life. I will seek to acknowledge and trust in God presence and power today.
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