The Old Testament Scripture from the Lectionary of the Book of Common Prayer for this Fourth Sunday following the Epiphany is from the opening verses of the Book of Jeremiah. Here we read that Yahweh knew Jeremiah long before he was ever born, and had a plan for his life set in place. We might find that somewhat puzzling, as how can anything be known about someone who isn’t born yet, before they are even conceived? Let’s look into our passage and see what we can learn.
The prophet Jeremiah lived from approximately 650 BC - 570 BC. His ministry was to the southern Kingdom of Judah, and during the reign of the last five kings of Judah. He witnessed the destruction of Jerusalem and of the Temple at the hand of the Babylonians. He was not a popular figure at that time, as he preached against the actions and teachings of the political and religious leaders, and warned that God would soon judge the nation, which came to pass in his lifetime. Jeremiah suffered much persecution and attacks during his lifetime for the message he brought from the Lord.
At the start of the Book of Jeremiah, we read a little bit of biographical data about the prophet. Here we read how the Lord told Jeremiah of how he had been called and selected by Him from before he was even born. Jeremiah did not have an easy ministry by any means. It is not an easy task to tell a nation that God’s judgment will be quickly coming because of their sins. Jeremiah’s words got himself in a lot of trouble with both the political and religious authorities, and he needed the Lord’s encouragement, which is what He gave the prophet in these Scripture verses.
The Lord told Jeremiah that He knew the prophet long before he was born (vs. 5). He knew him before he was even being formed in the womb, before he was even conceived. We might wonder about that. How can someone be known before they even exist in any form? Here is an imperfect analogy - when an architect designs a building, the plans first come as a thought in his mind. This is before any construction is done, and before any drawings and blueprints are made. The architect plans every detail before he even puts anything down on paper. Before the building is even created it is already created in the architect’s mind. In a similar way the Lord God knows each and every one of us before our parents even met. Yahweh is an omniscient God, knowing everything from the beginning to the end of time. Since He is outside of time, He can know everything about someone centuries before they are ever born.
Not only did God know Jeremiah long before he was born, He had a plan for Jeremiah’s life before he was born, as well. God also has a plan for each of our lives, too. His plan for us is perfect. Do you know what God’s plan for you is? As we pray and yield ourselves to Him, He will reveal it. That plan is not subject to the whims of man, nor the uncertainty of the world today. Whatever our circumstances are, God wants to use us for His plan and purposes.
God brought Jeremiah continued encouragement, as the opposition he was facing was both discouraging and at times even frightening. However the Lord encouraged Jeremiah, telling him to not be concerned about his age, as He has given him a command to speak (vs 6-7). The Lord also spoke words to embolden Jeremiah to not be afraid of those who opposed him and even attacked him (vs. 8). The message God gave Jeremiah was to tear down and root out the sinfulness of the people, and to build up and plant those who turned to God (vs. 9-10).
The Lord wanted Jeremiah, and us today, as well, to know that He knew him, and had a plan for him. And if He had a plan for Jeremiah, and for us today, He will see that plan through. God knows us more intimately than any person ever could, and He is able to give our lives purpose and meaning, unlike any other. He formed us through His wisdom and power, and sustains every moment of our life. God created us to live purposeful and meaningful lives.
We may encounter threats, hardships, and pain in our life, even when we are following God’s plan for us, just like Jeremiah did, but He assures us of His presence. God calls us to stand on the solid rock of His Word, and take shelter in His promises. Whatever struggles we face in our attempt to live for the Lord, we can trust in His presence with us.
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