Listen to His Voice to Partake in His Work
Scripture Passage: Jeremiah 1:11-19 (NASB)
11 And the word of the Lord came to me, saying, “What do you see, Jeremiah?” And I said, “I see a branch of an almond tree.” 12 Then the Lord said to me, “You have seen well, for I am watching over My word to perform it.”
13 And the word of the Lord came to me a second time, saying, “What do you see?” And I said, “I see a boiling pot, facing away from the north.” 14 Then the Lord said to me, “Out of the north the evil will be unleashed on all the inhabitants of the land. 15 For, behold, I am calling all the families of the kingdoms of the north,” declares the Lord; “and they will come and place, each one of them, his throne at the entrance of the gates of Jerusalem, and against all its walls around, and against all the cities of Judah. 16 And I will pronounce My judgments against them concerning all their wickedness, since they have abandoned Me and have offered sacrifices to other gods, and worshiped the works of their own hands. 17 Now, belt your garment around your waist and arise, and speak to them all that I command you. Do not be dismayed before them, or I will make you dismayed before them. 18 Now behold, I have made you today like a fortified city and like a pillar of iron and walls of bronze against the whole land, to the kings of Judah, to its leaders, to its priests, and to the people of the land. 19 And they will fight against you but they will not overcome you, for I am with you to save you,” declares the Lord.
SUMMARY
God speaks to Jeremiah and shows him visions of an almond tree branch and a boiling pot, both signifying God’s judgment on sinners, and particularly those who commit idolatry. God shares His plan with Jeremiah, that He will judge all the people of the northern kingdom. He tells Jeremiah that He must warn them about the impending judgment. As he does this, he will experience hostility from the people, but God encourages Jeremiah that God is with him.
MEDITATION AND REFLECTION
After finishing the book of Acts, and now beginning this chapter in Jeremiah, I’m reminded that I received my salvation from God to fulfill His mission for me. The purpose of my salvation is not that I would keep my blessing of salvation to myself, but I must wholeheartedly seek God’s voice speaking to me and I must actively partake in the work that He is doing to bring glory to His name.
God tells Jeremiah “belt your garment around your waist and arise” (v. 17) and I imagine him saying “get yourself ready and let’s head out on this important and thrilling work together”. As God further shares with Jeremiah, “I have made you today like a fortified city and like a pillar of iron and walls of bronze against the whole land…” (v.18) I sense the generous and tender heart of the Father telling me to not worry about anything. He is allowing me to partake in this adventure and purposeful mission. He will do all the heavy-lifting and protect me. I just need to have faith, and witness and experience what God does.
God is so tender to fore-tell Jeremiah, and also to me, that though it seems like circumstances and people are against me, “...they will not overcome you, for I am with you to save you,’ declares the Lord.” (v. 19) I am encouraged that I am never alone. Almighty God, who is my Father, is with me.
APPLICATION
I want to hear the voice of God, sense His heart, and see His vision. I want to be on the same page with Him every moment possible, so we can go about each day together. God wants to share such meaningful images as the almond tree (v.11) and the boiling pot (v.13) with me. He wants to dialogue with me so He can encourage me, just as he encouraged Jeremiah in verse 19. He wants to impart His heart and His mission to me. I want to seek dialogue with Him. I’m beginning to really understand that God is so loving that He is always available to communicate with me. Whether I’m driving in my car, doing chores, He is always there to communicate with me through the gift of the Holy Spirit. I pray that although my questions and my worries to Him are so elementary and pitiful, He would answer me back with His wisdom and loving encouragement.
PRAYER
Dear Heavenly Father,
You are so gracious that you would always be available in your relationship and communication with me. You are so generous, imparting your holy wisdom and righteousness to me. I want to hear from you, whether I am reading your Word, praying deeply, or praying as I go on about my day. I want to walk hand-in-hand with my Father all the time, so that your will for me may be accomplished. Help me to hear from you more clearly. Give me courage to do whatever you ask of me.
In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
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