Daily Devotions – Jeremiah – very young man called to prophecy judgment of God to Judah

Daily Devotions – Jeremiah – very young man called to prophecy judgment of God to Judah

 

Click this link to hear an audio version of the below text narrated by SOTH member Jerry Rhinehart:

 

Jeremiah 1:4-19 (NIV)
The Call of Jeremiah
4 The word of the Lord came to me, saying, 5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” 6 “Alas, Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I do not know how to speak; I am too young.” 7 But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. 8 Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord. 9 Then the Lord reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, “I have put my words in your mouth. 10 See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.” 11 The word of the Lord came to me: “What do you see, Jeremiah?” “I see the branch of an almond tree,” I replied. 12 The Lord said to me, “You have seen correctly, for I am watching to see that my word is fulfilled.” 13 The word of the Lord came to me again: “What do you see?” “I see a pot that is boiling,” I answered. “It is tilting toward us from the north.” 14 The Lord said to me, “From the north disaster will be poured out on all who live in the land. 15 I am about to summon all the peoples of the northern kingdoms,” declares the Lord. “Their kings will come and set up their thrones in the entrance of the gates of Jerusalem; they will come against all her surrounding walls and against all the towns of Judah. 16 I will pronounce my judgments on my people because of their wickedness in forsaking me, in burning incense to other gods and in worshiping what their hands have made. 17 “Get yourself ready! Stand up and say to them whatever I command you. Do not be terrified by them, or I will terrify you before them. 18 Today I have made you a fortified city, an iron pillar and a bronze wall to stand against the whole land—against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests and the people of the land. 19 They will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord.

 

Choose one or two key verses from the Scripture reading in Jeremiah today and do at least one of the following for your chosen verse(s).
A –  Ask questions of the text (Who, what, why, where, when)
– Emphasize certain words as you read the text over & over
I  –  In your own words (paraphrase one or more verses)
O  – Other verses in the Bible that say the same or opposite
U  – Use it; apply the truth from the text in your life

 

Precious Jesus, You have used people of all ages to do Your will. Actions of young children with a heart for You have inspired adults to do great things. But children need to be exposed to Your story. Please give them parents, families, friends and other opportunities to hear about You.  I also pray for youth to be able to step out of the group-think mentality and to listen to Your Word as their compass. As Christian values have become so unpopular, it will take courage and strength for youth to stand up for You and their faith. Use youth with that courage to change the direction of our society to love You above all else and to love, respect and honor their neighbor as themselves. In Your Holy Name. Amen