When Mum became pregnant with me, Dad was a brand-new pastor building up a worshipping community in Mildura. At my ordination it was revealed that the excited young couple had prayed over me in the womb and dedicated me to God’s service, not knowing how that would work out. I know some (all?) of you prayed your own payers over your unborn children.
Jeremiah was born at a critical time in the history of Judah. The sins of the people against God had reached tipping point. They were going to lose control over their nation and their temple. The unthinkable was going to happen. God would send in the Babylonians from 609 BC to the final destruction of Jerusalem in 587 BC. The people had broken their side of the covenant with God. They were going to experience the consequences, with exile and destruction of their temple.
Jeremiah had the painful task of repeatedly bringing that message to people who refused to get it. Over a faithful lifetime, Jeremiah carried out his unpopular task.
Jeremiah was given to the world, for God’s use. Later, God gave his one and only Son, Jesus, to the world, to bring forgiveness and new life. God has also chosen you, to be part of the big pattern. We are all used by God to bring blessing and purpose to others. Yes, there is often a ‘dying to self’ as we get over our ego, or our sense of entitlement, or things having to go just the way we want them to. We all learn to serve faithfully in whatever situations we are placed, as we are able. We all learn that God has our back and doesn’t ask of us more than we can do.
We’re going to journey with Jeremiah over the next few weeks. Stay tuned for vital insights and encouragement from this faithful man.
