Summary

The text discusses the author's reflection on Jeremiah 1 from the Bible, focusing on the theme of divine calling and the role of a prophet in society.

Abstract

The author delves into the Book of Jeremiah, particularly Jeremiah 1, where God appoints Jeremiah as a prophet to the nations despite his initial hesitations due to his perceived youth and inexperience. The passage highlights the significance of God's words being placed in Jeremiah's mouth, symbolizing the divine authority and power behind his mission to uproot, tear down, destroy, overthrow, build, and plant. The author draws a parallel between Jeremiah's reluctance and their own feelings of inadequacy, emphasizing the profound responsibility and transformative potential of speaking God's truth. The text underscores the idea that words, as manifested in the concept of Logos, have the power to enact change and align the world with divine will.

Opinions

The author believes that the Bible, including the Book of Jeremiah, is a fundamental text that provides insight into human identity and should not be ignored.
There is a sense of awe and respect for the divine calling, as exemplified by Jeremiah's appointment as a prophet.
The author acknowledges the pressure and vulnerability associated with such a divine mission, especially when it involves significant societal change.
The act of God putting words in Jeremiah's mouth is seen as a profound and positive act, contrasting with the negative connotations usually associated with people putting words in others' mouths.
The author reflects on the personal relevance of Jeremiah's story, identifying with the feeling of unworthiness and the need for divine assurance.
There is an underlying critique of contemporary society's likely skepticism and hostile reaction to someone claiming to have a divine mission to transform nations.
The author seems to admire the power of spoken words (Logos) and their capacity to effect change, align with divine purpose, and serve as a fortification against adversity.

Is It Good for God To Put Words in Your Mouth?

Today I read a chapter from the Bible. Jeremiah 1. I’d never really read this section, or this book specifically.

It’s been a while since I’ve dug into a text — and really studied it. I began reading scripture in 2019. Before that, I guess I’d only studied text from books in school. They don’t talk about God in public school.

When I graduated college a few years ago, I was missing something, in a fundamental sense. I’d never really thought about God. I was eager to study the Bible when a neighbor across the street offered. We studied for 6 months.

The Bible is obviously an interesting book about who we are. It is good and useful and from God. I believe that. We’ve upheld these ancient texts for so long, I think you ignore them at your peril. Or at least that’s what they say.

Jeremiah 1

For context, this is Jeremiah’s role when the people of Jerusalem went into exile. We’ll look at the New International Version.

4 The word of the Lord came to me, saying,

5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”

6 “Alas, Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I do not know how to speak; I am too young.”

So God tells Jeremiah that he picked him and he expects a lot from him. Talk about pressure. Then Jeremiah says “Hold on, I’m young and stupid.”

7 But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you.

Well that’s firm. “Shut up and go do everything I tell you anyways.” Kind of a blunt statement to utter. But this is God talking, remember.

8 Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord.

9 Then the Lord reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, “I have put my words in your mouth.

Verse 9 is very intriguing because of its negative connotation. We don’t like when people put words in our mouth. But here we see God putting words in Jeremiah’s mouth. What could that mean?

10 See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.”

God is preparing Jeremiah to uproot, destroy, and rebuild nations on his behalf. A large task. Notice God does not grant him physical strength or bestow weapons of mass destruction upon him. He gives Jeremiah his Word.

This is a vulnerable (and terrifying) situation for Jeremiah. If someone burst from our society today ready to “tear down, overthrow, and supplant” our nation, we’d probably bear arms. Or at least be skeptical of their motivations. Especially if they claimed to have special abilities from God.

Jeremiah continues:

11 The word of the Lord came to me: “What do you see, Jeremiah?” “I see the branch of an almond tree,” I replied.

12 The Lord said to me, “You have seen correctly, for I am watching to see that my word is fulfilled.”

Jeremiah started by saying “I’m young and inadequate.” Which I relate to. I feel unworthy of bold acts all the time. I don’t believe I can do good on a large scale on my own. But God assures Jeremiah he is with him.

13 The word of the Lord came to me again: “What do you see?” “I see a pot that is boiling,” I answered. “It is tilting toward us from the north.”

14 The Lord said to me, “From the north disaster will be poured out on all who live in the land.

Hm, boiling hot water will pour from the North on all inhabitants of the land. That doesn’t sound good.

15 I am about to summon all the peoples of the northern kingdoms,” declares the Lord.

16 I will pronounce my judgments on my people because of their wickedness in forsaking me, in burning incense to other gods and in worshiping what their hands have made.

So Jeremiah’s duty, as a prophet, is to point out Israel’s disobedience to God and prepare them for his judgement. The Israelites had fallen into idolatry and injustice; that’s the wickedness. Now it’s up to Jeremiah to warn and simultaneously offer the people of Israel a message of Godly goodness.

How is Jeremiah to do this?

Well, based on scripture, through speech. Why else would God put words in his mouth?? Even after Jeremiah admitted he doesn’t know how to speak, God assures him his word has power. That’s the Logos. That’s the idea that what we say matters and can set the world in order. That’s a profound idea.

The Lord finishes:

17 “Get yourself ready! Stand up and say to them whatever I command you. Do not be terrified by them, or I will terrify you before them.

18 Today I have made you a fortified city, an iron pillar and a bronze wall to stand against the whole land-against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests and the people of the land.

19 They will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord.