Jeremiah 1:17-19 "Get yourself ready! Stand up and say to them whatever I command you. Do not be terrified by them or I will terrify you before them. Today I have made you a fortified city, an iron pillar and a bronze wall to stand against the whole land--- against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests and the people of the land. They will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you and will rescue you," declares the Lord.
To begin the Lord open with an imperative to his servant, "Get yourself ready!" There is a lot for Jeremiah to prepare himself for. First he needs to mentally prepare. This would include understanding what purpose or end Jeremiah was trying to accomplish, which in turn means we as readers need to know his context historically. Jeremiah lived in Judah which was the southern nation of the formerly united kingdom Israel. During Jeremiah's time the call of the prophets was to be a mouthpiece to the people and call for repentance and righteous living. This would mean Jeremiah was to encourage justice in people's lives and adherence to the Torah. He would also constantly remind the people that they were the covenant people of God. Jeremiah's purpose was to be a constant mouthpiece for God to the people and deliver his message in its fulness. The role of a prophet does not draw many influential or even lasting friends all the time. There are exceptions of course but it would be safe to say that Jeremiah had to be prepared to lose worldly standing among his peers. Thirdly he had to be totally ready to receive for himself the declarations of God. If the prophet does not actually receive or refuses in part the declaration of God then what use is he/she as a mouthpiece of the Lord to the people? None as a prophet. This segues nicely into the next sentence.
Another imperative given by the Lord. "Stand up and say...." Let's stop here for a second. How often have you not only been encouraged to say what you believe in the face of those who do not share your same beliefs, but also do it boldly for all to see? Now if you have been encouraged in this way did you actually do it? It is quite easy to hold beliefs when those around you share the same beliefs or convictions as you do, but if your audience changes to one of opposing views it is difficult. Jeremiah is commanded not only to do this, but to say things not of himself. This means that the declarations of truth he will be relaying to others are not know to him yet in their entirety. The easiest word to glaze over at this point is the word "whatever". In this case whatever is used to emphasize the absence of restriction. The Lord has much to declare about man different things, and therefore Jeremiah must also declare these to many different people in many different situations. Still trekking with me?
As if reading Jeremiah's mind the Lord then says, "Do not be terrified by them or I will terrify you before them." So unlike what Yoda teaches us Star Wars fans fear leads not to anger, but rather fear leads to more fear. It is easy to know what to say but it is harder to say it. The small acts of courage are more difficult than talking a big game among friends. Jeremiah had to have courage.
God has made Jeremiah into a fortified city, iron pillar, and bronze wall. Does that make any sense to you? I would like to point out that all of these are stationary and defense oriented works. Jeremiah is not made to go out and attack, but to stand against the tides of those around him. Those he stands against include the kings, officials, priests (covering all three majors sectors of the Judean hierarchy) and the people! Jeremiah is not a champion of the king or the peasant. All will be addressed and asked to repent.
It is because of this demand for repentance and righteous living that most will attack Jeremiah. Those in power like to maintain the status quo, and those not in power rarely if ever actually desire power without envy for those who do. In the most basic way it is helpful to remember that whether you are rich or poor powerful or weak you still cannot save yourself or others from death because of sin. I digress. Jeremiah will and is attacked from all sides, because of his obedience. The Lord, however, does not leave him out on his own though. No the Lord is right there with Jeremiah through it all. The Lord rescues Jeremiah from the onslaught, because the Lord is greater than all foes of his followers.
I write all this to remind you and myself that like Jeremiah we are called to stand up and say the truth the Lord has given us. This truth is the life of Jesus Christ and the reality of our salvation by his love. The Spirit is always with us and is greater than our fears. We have much to say and our words can be made more evident in our actions. This is hard. We will war within ourselves over how to live this life we have in Christ. I can only tell you to continue to fight the good fight, because it is as far as I myself have come. I stumble over my words and actions, and forget to fear God alone. I write this as a reminder.
Remember Jeremiah.
Remember Christ
Remember the Spirit
Remember who you are.
Blessings
October 29, 2011
October 27, 2011
Rededication to a New Purpose.
When someone says the word prophet what do you instantly think of?
Human or not?
Male or Female?
Old or Young?
Sane?
I think of John the Baptist when I think of a prophet. Now he was a little different than the Old Testament prophets like Isaiah and Nathan who were both a part of the royal court of Israel during their time. John was a voice crying out from the desert. He wore a camel's hair tunic (probably smelled a little funny) and a leather belt (likely made from the same camel). John ate locust and honey which I am sure was a culinary delight in its own way, but maybe not standard fare. John was on the fringes of civilization. In a world where cities had water-works, sanitation, and a general feeling of security thanks in large part to the presence of Roman legions John lived outside this realm of influence. John probably spent a lot of time in silence in the desert. I wonder if he always chose that silence or if the silence chose him? I am a fairly quiet person, but even when I do not have much to say I still appreciate conversation.
I want to cry out all that the Lord has revealed to me that you might be inspired to share with me what the Lord has revealed to you. I want you to do more than just read my blog and leave it. I want to bother you. I want us both to be stirred to the point that we nearly spill over and make a huge mess. What I want is selfish if you are not willing to do this with me. Last night I realized that I enjoy making new connections where my knowledge has to be pushed to its limits and I have to rely on the work of those who came before me to try and sort it all out. I do need to retreat to the desert from time to time. I need to look strange and thrive in that. I have to be honest with all of you. Prophets share what it is that God has revealed to them. It's not always pretty, but always necessary. I ask simply if you will listen and respond. This blog is not my own anymore.
I pray that we may edify each other. Make your questions and responses to these posts known. Stop me for a conversation or prayer. Tell me when I seem to go crazy, because that happens and I love it.
You are loved,
You are blessed,
You are
And so am I
Blessings
Human or not?
Male or Female?
Old or Young?
Sane?
I think of John the Baptist when I think of a prophet. Now he was a little different than the Old Testament prophets like Isaiah and Nathan who were both a part of the royal court of Israel during their time. John was a voice crying out from the desert. He wore a camel's hair tunic (probably smelled a little funny) and a leather belt (likely made from the same camel). John ate locust and honey which I am sure was a culinary delight in its own way, but maybe not standard fare. John was on the fringes of civilization. In a world where cities had water-works, sanitation, and a general feeling of security thanks in large part to the presence of Roman legions John lived outside this realm of influence. John probably spent a lot of time in silence in the desert. I wonder if he always chose that silence or if the silence chose him? I am a fairly quiet person, but even when I do not have much to say I still appreciate conversation.
I want to cry out all that the Lord has revealed to me that you might be inspired to share with me what the Lord has revealed to you. I want you to do more than just read my blog and leave it. I want to bother you. I want us both to be stirred to the point that we nearly spill over and make a huge mess. What I want is selfish if you are not willing to do this with me. Last night I realized that I enjoy making new connections where my knowledge has to be pushed to its limits and I have to rely on the work of those who came before me to try and sort it all out. I do need to retreat to the desert from time to time. I need to look strange and thrive in that. I have to be honest with all of you. Prophets share what it is that God has revealed to them. It's not always pretty, but always necessary. I ask simply if you will listen and respond. This blog is not my own anymore.
I pray that we may edify each other. Make your questions and responses to these posts known. Stop me for a conversation or prayer. Tell me when I seem to go crazy, because that happens and I love it.
You are loved,
You are blessed,
You are
And so am I
Blessings
October 22, 2011
Joy and Peace
The chill of a whisper
shakes within
Spirit moves yet again
trembling
In the rays of sun
basking
Home is found
Peace arrives
Hope springs
Love
October 16, 2011
An Invitation to Real
Would you just sit
Kick off your shoes
Maybe find a tune to fit
While you and I muse.
We may talk of travel
Sharing experiences vivid
Laugh and cry as they unravel
Our emotions no more timid.
A fire in us now lit.
You I will never misuse
For in this we trust
Love ought not be a fuss.
Communication
Understanding
Respect
Peace
October 8, 2011
Thanks
It has been awhile hasn't it? This past week and a half deserves some reflection.
I want to go all the way back to September 25th. It was a Saturday I believe. I went apple picking that day with a lot of friends. It was wonderful. Just a few days ago our house finished all of our apples from that excursion. That night I went to a great concert by the Preservation Hall Jazz Band from New Orleans. Have you ever really enjoyed just the music and showmanship or excellent musicians? I had the opportunity to do just that. To put it simply the Preservation Hall Jazz Band was superb.
Tuesday was a birthday day for a few people in my life. They are all very loved. They too are superb and I am blessed to know them. You know who you are.
Then there was Thursday September 29th. Concert day two! Calvin College was treated to Atomic Tom, Amberlin, and SWITCHFOOT! 3 hours of epicness. Yes, I sang along at the top of my lungs, while jumping around like a mad man. I too can be found with less inhibition given the right circumstances. Yes I was sweating by the end, and it was gross. Yes, I was present in the moment and was reawakened to the fact that I was surrounded by a huge body of believers who can be moved to passionate living. I only hope those passions continue out beyond the concert. It was a high in the best sense of the word. Then there was the abrupt reality of life beyond the campus bubble. My housemates and I come home to a house broken-in to and items of value missing. Among those items was my laptop (the cause of my delay in blog entries). In the immediate moment I felt slightly sick to my stomach, knowing that someone was in our living quarters while we were away. We all joked about lamenting they did not stay for tea, a house tradition. We prayed, laughed, and continued living. I love my housemates, because they all bring out the best in one another. Truly brothers in Christ.
Our lives continue along a path and every encounter can be a blessing. On our end of things as humans these encounters are perceived as blessings when we begin with thankfulness. It is difficult at first, but when we shed ourselves of entitlement, thankfulness is put in as the replacement. You seriously begin to understand what it means to be thankful for every breath. material things that you once held dear become just tools to do a job. You actually become hopeful in hard circumstances and the result of these circumstances while still difficult to accept are better received.
Think of this post as a call to thankfulness. I urge you to give thanks to God more and more. I urge you to give thanks to those people around you that have shaped and invested in you. I urge you to shed entitlement and let thankfulness, generosity, and hope grow in your life. I pray the Spirit stirs you. I am thankful you keep reading these musings of mine.
Blessings and Thanks in Our Lord Jesus Christ!
I want to go all the way back to September 25th. It was a Saturday I believe. I went apple picking that day with a lot of friends. It was wonderful. Just a few days ago our house finished all of our apples from that excursion. That night I went to a great concert by the Preservation Hall Jazz Band from New Orleans. Have you ever really enjoyed just the music and showmanship or excellent musicians? I had the opportunity to do just that. To put it simply the Preservation Hall Jazz Band was superb.
Tuesday was a birthday day for a few people in my life. They are all very loved. They too are superb and I am blessed to know them. You know who you are.
Then there was Thursday September 29th. Concert day two! Calvin College was treated to Atomic Tom, Amberlin, and SWITCHFOOT! 3 hours of epicness. Yes, I sang along at the top of my lungs, while jumping around like a mad man. I too can be found with less inhibition given the right circumstances. Yes I was sweating by the end, and it was gross. Yes, I was present in the moment and was reawakened to the fact that I was surrounded by a huge body of believers who can be moved to passionate living. I only hope those passions continue out beyond the concert. It was a high in the best sense of the word. Then there was the abrupt reality of life beyond the campus bubble. My housemates and I come home to a house broken-in to and items of value missing. Among those items was my laptop (the cause of my delay in blog entries). In the immediate moment I felt slightly sick to my stomach, knowing that someone was in our living quarters while we were away. We all joked about lamenting they did not stay for tea, a house tradition. We prayed, laughed, and continued living. I love my housemates, because they all bring out the best in one another. Truly brothers in Christ.
Our lives continue along a path and every encounter can be a blessing. On our end of things as humans these encounters are perceived as blessings when we begin with thankfulness. It is difficult at first, but when we shed ourselves of entitlement, thankfulness is put in as the replacement. You seriously begin to understand what it means to be thankful for every breath. material things that you once held dear become just tools to do a job. You actually become hopeful in hard circumstances and the result of these circumstances while still difficult to accept are better received.
Think of this post as a call to thankfulness. I urge you to give thanks to God more and more. I urge you to give thanks to those people around you that have shaped and invested in you. I urge you to shed entitlement and let thankfulness, generosity, and hope grow in your life. I pray the Spirit stirs you. I am thankful you keep reading these musings of mine.
Blessings and Thanks in Our Lord Jesus Christ!
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