Today's Journal
WORDS IN OUR MOUTH
“I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb.Before you were born, I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.”
“O Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I can’t speak for you! I’m too young!”
The Lord replied, “Don’t say, ‘I’m too young,’ for you must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you. And don’t be afraid of the people, for I will be with you and will protect you. I, the Lord, have spoken!” Then the Lord reached out and touched my mouth and said, “Look, I have put my words in your mouth! Today I appoint you to stand up against nations and kingdoms. Some you must uproot and tear down,
destroy and overthrow. Others you must build up and plant.” (Jeremiah 1:5-10)
Jeremiah was the son of a priest and was probably around 17-19 years old when this was spoken to him from the Lord. It was the13th year of King Josiah's reign, around 627 BC. His remarks to the Lord are completely understandable. I’m too young and inexperienced. Like most of us he knows when he is in over his head.
The way we get our head in the right place is to have the Lord confirm to us that the ‘words in our mouth’ have been placed by him. The Lord said he knew us before we were born and has chosen us to do whatever has been decided… if we will obey his voice.
That’s very intimidating. We must go where he sends us, say what he tells us to say, do what he asks us to do and don’t be afraid and I will protect you, he says.
We must wait until he touches our mouth and puts words in them. Then we are all set… it still leaves a person a little squirmy.
“You will stand trial before governors and kings because you are my followers. But this will be your opportunity to tell the rulers and other unbelievers about me. When you are arrested, don’t worry about how to respond or what to say. God will give you the right words at the right time.” Jesus