This morning we continue our series entitled, “Refined Focus”, with an emphasis on “Focusing on God’s Finished Work”. We have been looking at the call and life of Jeremiah. We have looked at Jeremiah 1:5-9 so far. Today we will get to verse 10. Let’s get into it.
The Lord said to Jeremiah, “Before I made you in your mother’s womb, I knew you. Before you were born, I chose you for a special work. I chose you to be a prophet to the nations.” Jeremiah responded, “But, Lord God, I don’t know how to speak. I am only a boy.” The Lord then responded to him, “Don’t say, ‘I am only a boy. You must go everywhere I send you and say everything I tell you to say. Don’t be afraid of anyone. I am with you, and I will protect you.” Jeremiah said then says, “Then the Lord reached out with his hand and touched my mouth.”
Now we get to verse 10. In verse 10 the Lord said, “Jeremiah, I am putting my words in your mouth. Today I have put you in charge of nations and kingdoms. You will pull up and tear down. You will destroy and overthrow. You will build up and plant.”
So what does this mean to you today? A few things.
1. You cannot do what God has called you to do without Him.
a) God told a young man, Jeremiah, that he was now “in charge of nations and kingdoms”. God placed His words in Jeremiah’s mouth and as Jeremiah released those words, the words flowing from his lips (that actually had divine origin) would pull up, tear down, destroy and overthrow governments. There is no way Jeremiah could do this on his own, but that’s okay, because God never expected him to. And guess what? The same can be said for you and your assignment.
b) God calls you to do things you cannot do, things that exceed human ability and strength. He does this so you can look to Him every day of your life. As you die to self and rely on the Father, He will give you the words and He will perform the work (John 14:10).
2. God’s call requires His grace.
a) Jeremiah was called to speak truth to power. His words could literally tear down governments. But it is only because he was the orator, but not the originator of the words. Jeremiah was simply a vehicle, a conduit, a channel of God’s amazing power. You may not have Jeremiah’s call, but your call will equally require God’s grace.
b) If Jeremiah looked in the mirror and attempted to rely on his own ability, power and strength to do what he was called to do, he would wind up stressed out, burned out, physically and psychologically drained, and probably depressed. Thankfully, Jeremiah never relied on himself. You should not either. Far too many Christians, even Pastors, are battling depression because they are “working their butts off” attempting to do what God called them to do. This is not God’s will. You can work hard, but only by God’s grace. When you tap into God’s grace you can actually REST while you work, because it is God doing the work through you.
Closing Confession: Father, this is a season of refined focus for me. I bring my life into focus in 2016. What You have called me to do is amazing. I’m thankful that You thought of me before I was ever a thought in my parent’s minds. You mapped out my life before I ever took one breath. My assignment and everything I need to succeed is already prepared for me. However, I can’t do it. I cannot do what You called me to do in my own strength. There are good people, who love You Father, who are stressed out, burned out, and depressed because they are working day and night, in their own power, attempting to do what You called them to do. I used to be like that, but that’s not me anymore. I die to self. I die to my ability. I die to my limits. I totally rely on You. I now give myself over to You Father. You live through me. You speak through me. You work through me. You change this world through me! Living this way I work and REST at the same time! I declare this by faith. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper.
