Going

O. T. #1731  "Going"
July 10, 2020
Jeremiah 1-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

Where are you going, friend? On what path is your life?

Jeremiah was a 20 year old priest appointed by God to be His prophet. Even before he was born, God knew Jeremiah and decided to use this young man in this special way, as well as being set apart and ordained to this assignment. When we are God's child, He has a special service for Him. Have you found yours yet?

In verse 6, what was Jeremiah's response to his calling?
He told God that he could not speak, for he was a child, which refers to a servant; damsel; lad; young man, in the Hebrew language.

Jeremiah only need some encouragement, unlike Moses, who angered the Lord with his repeated excuses.
What was God's responses?
* Jeremiah wasn't too young to speak for God.
* He must go where God sent him.
* Say whatever God told him to say, for God would put His words in Jeremiah's mouth.
* Don't be afraid of the people.
* God was with Jeremiah and protected him.
* Some nations and kingdoms Jeremiah would uproot and tear down, while others he would build up
    and plant.

Jeremiah's work was to warn the Jews, as well as all the nations, of God's judgment for sin.
Today, God still desires that we share hope and salvation with the world. Are we doing that?

LET IT GROW

What were the two signs given to Jeremiah as a sort of outline of his prophetic ministry?
1. He saw a rod (stick or branch), a rod of correction, of an almond (earliest tree blooming;
     wakeful). The almond tree is the first tree to blossom, awakening from winter sleep, in January
     located in Palestine. Its meaning is that the sins of Judah would be judged before those of the other
     nations.
2. Jeremiah saw a seething pot, a large pot used to cook vegetables/or meat for many people, and
     tips over toward the north. This illustrated that Jerusalem and Judah will be destroyed by people
     from the north. This happened with Babylon came from the north  to destroy the temple in
     Jerusalem and take the people captive. It was like scalding judgment upon them.

Life Application Study Bible explains it this way:

The problems we face may not seem as ominous as Jeremiah's, but they are critical to us and may overwhelm us! God's promise to Jeremiah and to us is that nothing will defeat us completely; He will help us through the most agonizing problems. Face each day with the assurance that God will be with you and see you through.

We must be aware of false gods which can entice us away from our God. They may come in the form of material possessions, dreams for the future, approval of others, or jobs. We must guard our hearts, stay in the Word, obey it, and fellowship with other believers of Jesus Christ.

Jeremiah had a choice to obey and follow God's will for him, or turn his back and say, "It's not for me," "I can't do it, so send someone else," or "Your assignment is too hard for me, God?"
No, he was up for the challenge and did what he was told to say and do, go where God sent him.

Are we a faithful servant, in spite of the cost? Jesus was, for He gave His life to accomplish God's will. I'm not saying our life may be required, but it can be very painful at times. But, oh the blessings along the way. Nothing compares them.

LET IT GO

Jesus said in Mark 8:34, Whosoever will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.
Are we willing to go?
The joy of the Lord is my strength.