Today’s Reading, Jeremiah 1-3
Focal Scripture: Jeremiah 1:9 “Then the Lord reached out his hand, touched my mouth, and told me: I have now filled your mouth with my words.”
Speaking on behalf of someone is a big deal. They are trusting that you will represent them well and will convey the message precisely the way they want. This comes with responsibility that can’t be overlooked. It is also an honor to be trusted with such an important task.
Here in today’s reading we read the prophet Jeremiah’s very intense encounter with the Lord. First, we see the Lord reached out and touched the mouth of Jeremiah. Isaiah had an angel bring a coal to touch his lips. Here Jeremiah is personally touched by the Lord. The sense of awe and wonder had to be overwhelming for him in this moment.
Then Jeremiah is given a declaration from the Lord. His mouth would be filled with the words of the Lord. As a prophet he needed this assurance. He needs the authority and confidence that what he was saying came from God and not him. He will be delivering intense messages with wide ranging implications. Jeremiah can faithfully say “Thus sayeth the Lord.”
The application here comes in the words we say. Especially when you are speaking on behalf of God. Far too often people give their opinions about topics and situations instead of quoting God. Believers need to stop giving their opinions about topics and start declaring what God says. This would cut down on much confusion in Christendom.
As believers we are called to be Gods ambassadors. The problem with many people is that they don’t know what the mission or the conversation should look like. They speak on behalf of God but they share their own opinions or beliefs. The goal is to have our mouths filled with the words of the Lord. By doing this we can be confident in what is said.
Our goal as believers and if you’re a minister is to speak what the Lord declares. Anything else is just opinion and can lead to controversy. Follow the Lord and be obedient to his message. That will change everything.
Tomorrow I plan on reading Jeremiah 4-6
