July 5: Jeremiah 1
Joshua 7; Psalms 137–138; Jeremiah 1; Matthew 15
God called Jeremiah to prophesy about 625 years before Christ, during the most tumultuous and painful period of Israel’s history. Thus God provides Jeremiah with six promises to ensure his endurance:
I knew and called you, even before you were in the womb (5). No matter what you face, remember that I called you to it.
I will supply what you need, no matter your age (6-10). Jeremiah was young, but what’s decisive is not a man’s age or strength but God’s timeless wisdom and unassailable power.
I will ensure that My Word will succeed (11-12). The words “almond” and “watch” sound almost identical in Hebrew. God will so “watch” over His words that they will always come to pass.
I will cause future, terrible events of judgment to occur (13-16). When they happen, don’t think that you - or I - have failed. I tell you all this in advance, so you’ll know it was Me.
I will be your greatest fear (17). Here God speaks to Jeremiah like a general to his soldier. Don’t show dismay before your opponents, or I promise, I’ll really give you something to be dismayed about. Fear me.
I will make you stronger than your opponents (18-19). They will fight you - you will experience bloody battle. But they will not prevail against you.
Are you called to ministry in a time and place of decline and God’s judgment? Take these promises to heart. Our God does not change.