“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

Jeremiah the prophet didn’t have to wonder what his role in life was although it was surrounded with ambiguity. He was called at a very young age to one of the toughest assignments of any leader in the Old Testament.

“‘Among my people are wicked men who lie in wait like men who snare birds and like those who set traps to catch men. Like cages full of birds, their houses are full of deceit; they have become rich and powerful and have grown fat and sleek. Their evil deeds have no limit; they do not plead the case of the fatherless to win it, they do not defend the rights of the poor. Should I not punish them for this?” declares the Lord. Should I not avenge myself on such a nation as this?’” Jeremiah 5:26-29 NIV

Wicked men, spiteful and malicious, took great pleasure in their sinful ways. These men, literally caught in their sinful and wicked acts, persisted. They grew in wealth and power with their fraudulent practices. God’s call empowered Jeremiah; he called them out. Jeremiah’s message was not one of salvation but one of self-evaluation for the people of Judah, denouncing their wickedness. His message fell on deaf ears.

“So do not pray for this people nor offer any plea or petition for them; do not plead with me, for I will not listen to you.” Jeremiah 7:16 NIV
God told him from the outset, his would be no easy task that people would deny him, be hostile toward him for the message he carried. But Jeremiah persevered, even praying for the people of Judah when God told him not to.

Sometimes we feel like Jeremiah. It is easy to feel outnumbered when so many people still openly deny God. There are many of us who feel as though we are not worthy, unprepared, too young etc., to spread the word. In some circles it is construed as politically incorrect to speak openly about our Savior and our walk with Him. Friends take on an air of embarrassment.

Think on the sacrifices Jeremiah made. He preached to Judah and nations who were always in opposition to him. He was ordered by God to never marry resulting in a life of solitude. His life was threatened many times over, yet he never stopped speaking the words God placed in his mouth.

God took Jeremiah from a meek boy to one filled with boldness to put the people on notice. God was angry yet he wanted every man, woman and child to hear His message spoken through Jeremiah so they would not have the limp excuse, “But I didn’t know…”

Pastor Jack Hayford wrote in his book Glory on Your House, “The Holy Spirit of the living God is engaging all God’s people with a renewing, reviving call to open to the glory of His grace in Holy Spirit fullness. The objective of this experience is not to introduce us to a glib, giddy kind of ‘charismania,’ but to equip, prepare, and fortify us against the spirits of darkness, deception, and destruction.”

LORD, thank you for the privilege of YOUR grace. Keep me focused on YOUR Word and have me live a life that exemplifies YOUR glory, compassion and forgiveness. I especially thank YOU LORD for the freedom to worship YOU in the open. In JESUS name I pray, Amen.