Devotional for the Week — 16 February 2009

Devotional For The Week – 16 February 2009

Sermon Title: “I Know You”
Scripture: Jeremiah 1:4-10

Introduction

The words “I know you” can carry different types of messages that is: encouragement, judgment, support or even an expression of resignation between two individuals.

Jeremiah was a young teenager who received word of what seemed like an extraordinarily daunting message - that God had known him even before he was conceived and had set him apart - to be appointed as a prophet to the nations.

Jeremiah must have wondered that since God knew him, surely He would have known his weaknesses and how “unsuitable” he was for the appointment He was about to bestow upon him.

The Reluctant Prophet

Jeremiah expressed his apprehensions of his lack of eloquence and experience due to his youth. However, God assured him that He knew Jeremiah since He created him. Furthermore, He would be with him, give him the words to speak and deliver him in his time of need.

Approximately a thousand years before Jeremiah’s time, we see a similar scene played out between God and Moses. The latter expressed his anxiety about his “slowness of speech”, and lack of confidence to carry out the overwhelming task of rescuing the slaves from Egypt. God assured Moses that he would be with him, would help him and his aid, Aaron to speak and teach him what to do. (Exodus 4:10-14)

Our Response To God-given Opportunities

Today, some of us may shun talking about God even when the opportunity presents itself. Most of the time, this stamps from the fear of rejection. However, God’s responses to Jeremiah and Moses show us that we can have faith and believe that He is with us when we do something that He calls us to do. We need to work hard to release ourselves from bondages that hinder our service to Him.

God Equips Us For His Work

We can take comfort knowing that even as God sends, He will also equip us. This is seen through the scriptural text.

1)	He chooses – “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, .... I set you apart....; I appointed you....” Jeremiah 1:5
2)	He sends – “....You must go to everyone I send you to .....” Jeremiah 1:7
3)	He accompanies – “Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you....” Jeremiah 1:8
4)	He teaches – “..... say whatever I command you...” Jeremiah 1:7
5)	He authorises – “See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.” Jeremiah 1:10
6)	He guides – Jeremiah 1:11-16
7)	He strengthens – Jeremiah 1: 17-19

Conclusion

The day of final judgment is drawing nearer and we need to be ready and watchful. Everyone will be called to account for our lives, blessings of talents and resources, and how we have used them for God’s Kingdom. (Mathew 25:1-33)

The message of John 14:6 must continue to be preached. God wants us to rise up and speak up. (Jeremiah 1:7) We must seize the opportunity when it presents itself and speak to our loved ones, or others God may put in our paths, about Him. We must pray persistently for them. God dwells amongst His people – the Church. We must love, look out and pray for one another. This means investing our time in each other, forgiving and serving one another.

We are never too young, too old, or untalented to be a part of God’s plan for God will equip us for His work within and outside the Church. He is able to, because He knows us.

Prayer Response

Dear Lord, I thank You that You knew me before I was even conceived. Lord, help me to have faith when You call me to do Your Will. Please grant me discernment to see opportunities to talk to others about You and your message in John 14:6. Please also grant me the words to say and take away any fears of rejection or of the unknown whenever I rise up to talk to anyone about You. Thank you for your assurance of being with me and delivering me, Lord. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Devotional based on a sermon by Rev Fred Tan

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