The existential questions regarding life’s meaning and purpose are questions we all must address at some level. As we advance in years our answers may evolve with our level of maturity. The foundational truth that we should begin with is the fact that we are known by our Creator. We are valuable to Him. The Creator who crafted us and knit us together (Psalm 139:13) also equips us to live out the calling He has placed on each of us. As the lesson title tells us we are: “Created or a purpose.”
These verses (4-5) are an account of God’s call on Jeremiah to the prophetic ministry in the Kingdom of Judah. God had chosen Jeremiah for this task even before he was born. In the words of verse 5 God set Jeremiah apart, He had appointed him to the office of prophet. We may not feel our purpose is as note-worthy as the men and women of the Bible, but our purpose is still important because our purpose is given to us by God.
Some important terms found in these verses speak to our value in the eyes of God.
1. Formed – This term is also found in Genesis 2:7 as God formed Adam out of the dust of the ground and breathed life into him. The image is of a potter shaping a piece of clay into the vessel he desires to make. God is at work shaping and gifting us as He sees fit.
2. Chose – God chose Jeremiah before birth. This could also be translated as “knew.” This knowing is deeper than a factual knowledge or even the knowledge experienced in a marital relationship. The One who knows us most completely also gives our lives meaning.
3. Set apart – This Hebrew term can also be translated “consecrated” or “sanctified.” God had appointed (set apart) Jeremiah to be His prophet to the people. Holiness can also be viewed as being set apart for God’s purpose. We are a chosen people a “holy nation” called to declare God’s praises (1 Peter 2:9).
As believers God places a call on us universally as His people. Our purpose simply stated is to know Him and make Him known. Our purpose as a church and as individuals takes a unique shape in each one depending on our setting and circumstances.
We have seen that God establishes our worth and purpose.
In verses 6-8 we see that God walks with us as we live out His purpose for us. Like Moses, Jeremiah protested his calling. He viewed his youth and lack of eloquence as shortcomings that would disqualify him from serving. Perhaps the motive behind Jeremiah’s objection was a lack of trust in God.
Notice in verse 7 God did not offer to fix Jeremiah’s perceived limitations. God’s solution was much better. He promised Jeremiah His presence as he carried out his ministry assignment. Not only would God be with Jeremiah, but He would also give Jeremiah the words to speak. An even greater promise from God is that He would deliver (rescue) Jeremiah from whatever perils he encountered. God promises His presence and provision throughout Scripture. The LORD reassured Joshua with these words that still are true today: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).
The final verses of our focal passage (9-10) build on the truth that God not only establishes our purpose and accompanies us on our journey, but He also equips us to carry out our purpose. God reached out His hand and touched the mouth of Jeremiah. In doing so He filled Jeremiah with the words he was to speak. God commissioned Jeremiah (like Isaiah) to go forth as His prophet. In Luke 12:12 Jesus promised the disciples that the Holy Spirit would fill them and teach them what they ought to say. The Holy Spirit will do the same for us.
Now the work was to begin. In verse 10 God says He has appointed Jeremiah “today over nations and kingdoms.” As was the form for the prophets, Jeremiah would be bearer of bad news. He would warn the people of a judgment of uprooting, of tearing down, and of demolition. But he would also bring good news that a time of building and planting would follow these days of hardship. Throughout his ministry Jeremiah would suffer imprisonment and become who we know as “the weeping prophet.” He did this knowing all the time that he was fulfilling the purpose God had created him for and that his life was precious to the Creator.
The context of today’s lesson is the sanctity of life. The Cambridge Dictionary defines sanctity as “the quality of being very important and deserving respect.” Humanity is a creation of God and we are created in the image of God. If God values life, then we of course should also value that life to the highest degree. I am including lives of the born, unborn, young, old and those who face sickness either from birth or later in life. We cannot de-value something, either by our action or in-action, that God has proclaimed valuable. In the terms of our Cambridge definition, God has proclaimed life to be important therefore life at all stages deserves our utmost respect and protection. We must always seek to preserve life and speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves. The words of God to Jeremiah apply to all of us. Before our birth God knew us, He formed us, and set us apart for His purpose.
Thanks again and God Bless You All,
Chris Larsen
