4 The Lord’s word came to me:
5 “Before I created you in the womb I knew you;
before you were born I set you apart;
I made you a prophet to the nations.”
6 “Ah, Lord God,” I said, “I don’t know how to speak
because I’m only a child.”
7 The Lord responded,
“Don’t say, ‘I’m only a child.’
Where I send you, you must go;
what I tell you, you must say.
8 Don’t be afraid of them,
because I’m with you to rescue you,”
declares the Lord.
Reflection
Isn’t it comforting to know that Our Lord knows each of us from our very beginnings? God knows us even before we know ourselves. We don’t have to introduce ourselves or become anything other than who or where we already are. God delights in knowing and using the hearts and minds of children within all ages and stages of life.
I love this reminder that a person need not be of a certain age, have any special experience, or even be learned in the law to be set apart for God’s purposes. Before we were fully formed, God knew us even before we had any inkling or were cognizant of who God really is. In our relationship with God, life is always a “Come-As-You-Are” party.
However when listening to Jeremiah’s initial response, it is easy to sense his discomfort. Perhaps it is only we that think that we may be “too” … (young, old, green, etc…) to serve God as we think we ought. Despite our own misgivings about our ineptitude(s), still God remains steadfast to uniquely calling each of us to be a part of God’s kingdom and mission. So even with our failings and frustrations, it is as if Our Great Parent is saying: Trust me and don’t be afraid because I will rescue you. Remember I knew you even before you knew yourself.
by Barbara Carlson
For Pondering & Prayer
How can understanding that God has known you all along comfort you in your life and with your life’s mission? This realization may also be intimidating, yet God remains steadfast in choosing each of us. Our Lord says, “Don’t be afraid… for I am with you.”
How can you take one further step in trusting God who knows you even better than you know yourself?
Prayer: Great Parent, thank you for knowing me, first. Thank you for your steadfast belief in me. In all that I do, please help to increase my trust in you. Amen.
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