Scripture

“I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.”

Observation

Jeremiah was a prophet called by God in the end period of the kingdom of Judah. He carried the Lord’s message during the reigns of Josiah, Jehoiakim and Zedekiah right through to the exile in Babylon.

The Lord called him to this prophetic ministry. The Lord knew him before he was born and appointed him to be a messenger to the nations.

Jeremiah says he is too young. But the Lord replies by saying that He has put His words in Jeremiah’s mouth.

Application

The Lord’s words to Jeremiah are true of all of us. He formed us and knew us before He made us. He sets each person apart for a task or an assignment.

We don’t think of ourselves in these terms. We think calling and appointment are only for the spiritual elites, the top people like pastors, evangelists and apostles.

The fact is that each person was hand- made by God for a specific purpose or a particular task.

Maybe it is leading a cell group, perhaps leading just one person to the Lord, or raising our children to love the Lord.

Whether we are called to pull down and raise nations, to raise children or visit people in a nursing home, this is God’s mission and He appoints people to the right place.

Steve Stewart, leader of Impact Nations, a short term missions group, has a favourite saying. “You were made for this!” It doesn’t matter what the “this” is. You were made for a task that nobody else can do.

Prayer

Lord God, you made the heavens and the earth. You fashioned me to be your instrument. Help me to fulfil your mission. Amen.