Say not, I am a child
Today's focusGod tells Jeremiah that he knew him before he was formed and appointed him a prophet; when Jeremiah protests that he is only a child, God promises to be with him and puts his words in his mouth.
Read
4Then the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, 5Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations. 6Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child. 7But the LORD said unto me, Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak. 8Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the LORD. 9Then the LORD put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And the LORD said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth. 10See, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down, to build, and to plant.
Reflection
Long before you were born, the Lord had a purpose for your life. In this passage, God tells Jeremiah, "Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee." This deep, personal knowledge shows that you are not an accident. God "sanctified" and "ordained" Jeremiah for a specific work before he ever drew his first breath. It is natural to feel small or unprepared when you think about God’s call. Like Jeremiah, you might look at your limitations and say, "I cannot speak: for I am a child."
However, God answers your hesitation with his presence. He commands you, "Say not, I am a child," because the focus is not on your age or ability, but on his authority. He promises, "I am with thee to deliver thee." When you feel inadequate, remember that he "put forth his hand" to touch Jeremiah’s mouth and provide the necessary words. God is the one who empowers you "to build, and to plant." You do not have to rely on your own strength; you can trust that he will give you exactly what you need to say and do.
AI-written reflection on the passage above. Let Scripture itself be the main thing.
Reflect
What excuse do you tend to give God when he calls you, and how does his answer to Jeremiah speak to you?
Pray
Lord, you knew me before I was born. When I feel too young, too weak or too unqualified, remind me that you are with me. Put your words in my mouth.