When the Lord called Jeremiah as a prophet, he was very young and felt he was not capable. What was the Lord teaching Jeremiah through this and what is He teaching us?
Jer. 1:6 “O Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I can’t speak for you! I’m too young!” 7 The Lord replied, “Don’t say, ‘I’m too young,’ for you must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you. 8 And don’t be afraid of the people, for I will be with you and will protect you. I, the Lord, have spoken!” 9 Then the Lord reached out and touched my mouth and said, “Look, I have put my words in your mouth! [1]
The Lord knew Jeremiah was not cable of carrying out his assignment on his own. Jeremiah said he was too young, and the Lord already had a plan to assist him.
Jeremiah would have to learn to depend on God. As a sinful people, we want to be independent and not depend on God. Our desire to be independent doesn’t work in our relationship with God. The Lord wants us to seek Him and follow His plan for our lives. We must be guided by the Holy Spirit for this to happen. Throughout Scripture the Lord shows us the foolishness of depending on ourselves and following our own plans.
How can being dependent on God change my life?
- When I rely on the Lord I am always looking up to God. Jesus is our model.
- I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself. He does only what he sees the Father doing. Whatever the Father does, the Son also does. [1] John 5:19.
- When I rely on the Lord, He gives me divine wisdom.
- If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.[2] James 1:5
- As I rely on the Lord, He gives me peace in any situation.
- “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.[3] John 14:27.
- When I rely on the Lord, He will rescue me.
- Then call on me when you are in trouble, and I will rescue you, and you will give me glory.” [1] Psalm 50:15
- Relying on the Lord in regard to faith will lead me to heaven.
- “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. [2] John 3:16.
Take a step of faith today to grow in your dependence in the Lord. To learn how Jeremiah had to depend on the Lord, listen here: https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/the-call-jeremiah
[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.
[1] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Je 1:6–9). Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.