Jeremiah, Chapter 1 {click the link for the full reading or read it from your Bible}
Questions for reflection after reading:
1. Today's chapter describes how the voice of God came to Jeremiah.
How does the voice of God come into your life?
Where do you feel God's presence and leading the most?
2. Can you think of some times in your life when verse 8 might be helpful? "Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you," declares the Lord."
Where do you feel God's presence and leading the most?
2. Can you think of some times in your life when verse 8 might be helpful? "Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you," declares the Lord."
Helpful historical background:
-God wants Jeremiah to go and warn the people about what's going to happen to the city of Jerusalem, and the whole area of Judah. "Bad guys" were going to come and take them over.
Followers of God were called "the people of Israel." The people of Israel had split into two kingdoms. Jerusalem was a city in the Southern Kingdom. The Northern Kingdom had already been captured by "bad guys" at this point.
Followers of God were called "the people of Israel." The people of Israel had split into two kingdoms. Jerusalem was a city in the Southern Kingdom. The Northern Kingdom had already been captured by "bad guys" at this point.
Here's a map - Jerusalem has a star.
I do think that God calls us all. We have different callings, but there are times when I know that God is talking to me. Something comes into my mind and won't leave, just keeps nagging at me. An example is that for lent this year I am giving up sweets. I have never done anything like this before, but this year it has been in my mind for a week now, so I am going with it. I liked verse 5 " Before I formed you in the womb I know you , before you were born I set you apart." God has a plan for us.
ReplyDeleteThere are many times when verse 8 would be helpful. When I was going though a nasty divorce, when my dad was dying, and when there were difficulites in my job.
I can see why Jeremiah wasn't a popular prophet. His message is not one the people wanted to hear.
OK I will try this again. I hear Gods voice in my daily life from the people in my life and the natural world. Some days it is more specific than others. For instance, this week God is telling me to give up sweets for lent. This is not something I have ever done before, but I did start it yesterday.
ReplyDeleteI think Verse 8 would be helpful in situations of divorce, loveone's deaths, and job loss. Many situations when we need to know that God hasn't forgotten us and is with us no matter what our situation. Sure hope this works.
OK I will try this again. I hear Gods voice in my daily life from the people in my life and the natural world. Some days it is more specific than others. For instance, this week God is telling me to give up sweets for lent. This is not something I have ever done before, but I did start it yesterday.
ReplyDeleteI think Verse 8 would be helpful in situations of divorce, loveone's deaths, and job loss. Many situations when we need to know that God hasn't forgotten us and is with us no matter what our situation. Sure hope this works.
Lately I've noticed what seems like the "voice" of God via an impression I get inside. Unlike some of my own thoughts or ideas, I get a peaceful feeling from it and just know it is Him trying to guide me to live a more meaningful life
ReplyDeleteI think verse 8 is helpful when I'm doing something that I know isn't necessarily socially-popular, but what God wants me to do or say.