Jeremiah 1 Commentary
The introduction to the Book places the work of the prophet Jeremiah somewhere between 627 B.C and 587 B.C. But God’s work began way before the prophet was born. This is significant! The LORD God isn’t making Boardroom decisions every day. He knows the end from the beginning. Nothing surprises Him.
Jeremiah was in a ‘destiny’ situation. The LORD wired him for a special assignment. But how little he about it! And how unprepared he felt! It didn’t matter; the LORD would ignore Jeremiah’s feelings of inadequacy and fear.
The NIV Bible has the best rendering of verse 8. “I’m with you and will rescue you.” In the background is an admission of the presence of trouble for the prophet’s work, but the LORD would rescue him. The presence of the LORD with the prophet would not prevent trouble from coming.
It is a situation that contradicts our reasoning. The prophet will have trouble regardless of the fact that the LORD would be with him. It is a Boardroom decision made long before the prophet was even born.
The first message the LORD gives Jeremiah is an announcement of a pending disaster in the nation. You want to think twice before delivering such a message. But Jeremiah doesn’t have this option. The LORD warns the prophet against fear. It would be his undoing if he entertains it. It is easily our take from this chapter.
Fear has a way to destroy humans against the purposes of the LORD. We all remember the words of the LORD to Joshua: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1 verse 9.
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