1 These are the words of Jeremiah, Hilkiah’s son, who was one of the priests from Anathoth in the land of Benjamin. 2 The Lord’s word came to Jeremiah in the thirteenth year of Judah’s King Josiah, Amon’s son, 3 and throughout the rule of Judah’s King Jehoiakim, Josiah’s son, until the fifth month of the eleventh year of King Zedekiah, Josiah’s son, when the people of Jerusalem were taken into exile.
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.
9 Then the Lord stretched out his hand,
touched my mouth, and said to me,
“I’m putting my words in your mouth.
10 This very day I appoint you over nations and empires,
to dig up and pull down,
to destroy and demolish,
to build and plant.”
Reflection
Poor Jeremiah, he tries to tell God that he is too young and inexperienced to be called by God to be a prophet. “Ah, Lord God,” he says, “I don’t know how to speak, because I am only a child.” But God is not having any of his excuses. Instead God encourages Jeremiah. God tells Jeremiah that there was a plan for his life even before he was born. God has placed a call on Jeremiah’s life. And as for his inexperience, God will give him the words to say, so he should not be afraid, because God will be with him. God has appointed him over nations and empires, to prophesize the abolishment of the existing world structures and to build and plant a new world in it’s place.
Jeremiah must have believed because he was young and inexperienced, that no one would believe him. He must have feared criticism and rejection because of his youth. Now Jeremiah can tell others that God has commanded him to speak God’s own words, not Jeremiah’s words. He can go where God sends him with confidence, because God will be with him and deliver him. And when he speaks God’s words of judgement to the people who failed to
remain faithful to God, or when he pronounces future blessings of a new covenant, it is by God’s power that these prophecies will come into being.
by Jeneene Reduker
For Pondering and Prayer
We just got back from our church’s Annual. Conference. One of the most hopeful and
exciting things was the number of youth that were participating in this year’s event, by reading, praying, singing and in discussing legislation. Whether sharing in the worship experience, or discerning the future of the church, their voices were heard and respected. We heard the plans of our youth representatives to the Council of Bishops. They spoke about their holy discontent with the current state of the church. They reminded us that the youth are not the future of our church, they are part the church here and now. And they are already seeking to create a church that is more humble, focused on abundance, not scarcity, a church that shares power globally and across generations and is focused on mission. The youth are ready to work with us to plant the seeds for a harvest they will never see. And God will not accept any of our excuses, no matter our ages.
How is your church making space for the youth to be part of the worship, ministry, mission and planning for the future abundant harvest of the church? Pray for them now.
Prayer: Holy and Loving God, we pray for all youth. Help us to remember that they are not only the future of the church, but are a valuable part of the church, to be included right now. Bless them, protect them and guide them in the calling that you have placed on their lives. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.
