August 25, 2019
Jeremiah 1:4-10
by Pat Tipton
Clergy of Old Union UMC (Church Hill, TN)
Appalachian District

The word of the Lord came to me, saying, “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.” “Alas, Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I do not know how to speak; I am too young.” 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. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord. Then the Lord reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, “I have put my words in your mouth. See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.”

As I think about this scripture, my life and ministry I can relate to Jeremiah. In school I had friends but I was on the quiet side compared to now. I had to be comfortable in my surroundings before I would talk. I would get sick at the thought of having to give a book report in front of the class. I was more comfortable being lost in the crowd. I was like Jeremiah I didn’t know how or what to speak, but just like Jeremiah God knew me before He formed me in my mother’s womb! He set me apart for a specific task. Whatever task God has us set apart for we will be prepared for it. I was prepared in many various ways from being in store management to teaching. I had to have words to speak to carry out the task God laid before me. I know that when I planted a seed those words and actions were given to me by God. I would never have been able to do that on my own. As we reflect on this today think about where God has planted you to build and plant.

Lord, we thank you for another day with seeds to be sown and planted. Help us to not neglect what we need to sow and plant. May we also not miss an opportunity to build another person up. Thank you for your goodness and mercy. In Jesus name Amen.