“Jeremiah was a bullfrog.  He was a good friend of mine!”

(painting from “Miriam’s Cup” by Fran Manushkin, artist Bob Dacey)

NO, WAIT…that’s a song!  I’m talking about the prophet Jeremiah, not the bullfrog!  He was, however, a good friend of yours and mine.  Even though we have not met him personally, he was sent to speak some of the most important words we need to hear from God.

Jeremiah was sort of a wild and crazy guy, and was quite young when God called him.  So Jeremiah’s immediate reply was, “WHO ME?  I am too young!”  (He didn’t say , “I’m too wild and crazy”, but God already knew that).  God explained that he had always had a certain purpose for Jeremiah and that was to be a prophet to the nations. Prophets were persons who listened to God and then spoke God’s exact words to the people as God directed.  That took courage and strength.

There are questions still asked today.  “Will every person know God?  What about the people who have never been taught, or exposed at all to any instruction about God?” Jeremiah is the one who spoke for God saying, “This is my new covenant I will make with my people.  I will put my law within them.  I will write it on their hearts.  I will be their God and they shall be my people.  They shall ALL KNOW ME.  I will forgive.  I will remember their sin no more.” (Jeremiah 31:33-34)

(painting from “The Wing”, written and illustrated by Ray Buckley).

God has reached out his hand to touch the heart of every single person in every corner of the world for all time.  Everyone can know God.  Everyone can be set free to fully love and be loved by God.  Thank you, Jeremiah, for saying “Yes” to be God’s voice with such a very important message.  What a huge moment for all of us!

Pondering…

What does it mean for you to know God in your heart?

Do you think you have ever been led to speak a word for God?  When and where?

nk