Lessons from Jeremiah 1

The most common question people ask is why are they here on earth? Simply rephrased as what is their purpose? As a fellow Christian, the best way to find out is to seek Him who made you and the answer shall be revealed in time. 

The first chapter of Jeremiah shows that when we find our purpose, it is usually filled with the five basic questions asked which are who, what, why, when and how. In this chapter (I urge that you read it), God speaks to Jeremiah about Israel and her sins and in between the text, those five questions are answered.

WHO🤔, WHAT😨 & WHEN ⏲

1. God sets you apart (verse 5) - God tells Jeremiah that He knew him before He formed him. To me that basically shows that God who has gone before us is not constrained with time and space. He knows and has planned the time for us to be here on earth and when the purpose should be fulfilled. But before then, when He said "formed" that means that each one of us is designed specifically for the purpose we have been called to accomplish. He has also set you apart for that specific function.

2. Jeremiah's excuse (verse 6) - Jeremiah said he can't speak for God because he is too young. When we find our purpose and it seems too big, we find an excuse (I know I do) for why we can't accomplish. Maybe such excuses stem out of fear, knowing our weaknesses (inferiority complex) or many other reasons.

3. Confirmation  (verses 7 and 8) - God already at the beginning told Jeremiah that not to state his "shortcomings". He reassured Jeremiah of  His presence and His protection. We have God's protection and He is with us when we are living according to His purpose.

4. He equips you (verse 9) - After God's reassurance and confirms that is He (God) that wants this to be done, He equips Jeremiah by touching his mouth. From the spirit to the physical, God touched the body part that will perform the function needed. I think of runners whose legs are strengthened to run fast. Scientists, engineers and doctors each designed and have the ability to understand things in a specific way. Whatever we've each been called for, we have been equipped for it in the natural. 

5. He appoints you (verse 10) - Jeremiah was appointed and told he will stand up against and Kingdoms...." Basically, he was told his duties in the calling. 

WHY 🤷 and HOW 👀

6. The reason for the calling (verse 11 and 12) - The almond tree bears almonds (which are seeds that have a hard outer shell and has an embryo inside which is the soft edible part). Not to be mistaken, this is not about nutrition 😒. So basically to get to the embryo you got to crack the hard shell first. Here in this verse, I believe God is illustrating that Israel ( verse 16 and when you read the following chapters) heart has become a heart of stone (outer shell) and the need to boil is to soften the outer hard shell so that it is soft and easier to open to get to the embryo (flesh). Turning a heart of stone to a heart of flesh (Ezekiel 36:26). God further explains what will happen and how. 

7. Fulfilment and expectation - God reassured Jeremiah again (verse 17) by speaking to his fears since God knows the heart and tells him his main action (to speak the word of God to the people). He tells him also of the alternative "Do not be afraid of them, or I will make you look foolish in front of them". God strengthened him and explained the extent of his strength. He reveals the people Jeremiah will go up against (verse 18) and in verse 19 and affirms that they will not succeed for God is with him and will care for him. His word is final for he has spoken.

When God reveals to you what you are called to do, take the lessons from this chapter and remember you are not alone, you will accomplish your purpose as long as you do as God says and trust in him. What He started in you, He will accomplish. Remember He cannot take you where you will not be able to overcome. So when you find your purpose, pay attention to all the details that come with it.