Jeremiah 1-3

Today we get to see the Lord calling Jeremiah to be a prophet and to speak His words to Israel. He knew Him before He formed him in his mother's womb, set Him apart then and called Him to be a prophet before Jeremiah was even born. Then God had to show him not to fear being young or inexperienced. Later He said: "Do not be terrified by them or I will terrify you before them." One of our biggest challenges is to step out courageously in spite of the battle we may see. One of the biggest problems we create is not to walk into the battle with that trust and confidence that the Lord will see us through. He told Jeremiah He would make Him a fortified city, an iron pillar and a bronze wall to stand against Kings, officials, priests and inhabitants of the land. "They will not overcome you for I am with you." I hope these words will encourage you today.

In chapter 2 we see the sin of digging our own cisterns for water. Jesus is the living water, when we rely on secular education or the ways of the world to conduct or lives. The other sin is losing our awe of God. He says we bring our troubles on ourselves when that happens. He goes on to say that it disgraces our whole house.

In chapter 3 we see that the Lord views their spiritual unfaithfulness as adultery and prompts them to return to Him. He says "I will cure you of your backsliding. Sometimes we try to do that under our own strength. I thank the Lord that Jeremiah was able to be faithful in proclaiming the words of the Lord. What a blessing we may have missed if these things were not revealed to us. What is the Lord prompting you to do today? Be strong and take courage and you will be a blessing for generations.