Called at any Age - Day 95 Month 4-5 Week 14-4
Today's Reading (Bible in 1 year)
Numbers 7:42-89 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Numbers%207%3A42-89&version=NASB1995
Psalm 77 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2077&version=NASB1995
Jeremiah 1:1-10 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah%201%3A1-10&version=NASB1995
Luke 9:28-45 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%209%3A28-45&version=NASB1995
Called at Any Age
1. Jeremiah followed Isaiah by approximately 100 years. When God called Jeremiah, his response was “Behold, I do not know how to speak, because I am a youth.” Scholars believe Jeremiah was probably about 17 because of his claim of being a youth and how he fits into the history of kings whose dates of living are known. God’s response to Jeremiah was “Do not say, “I am a youth,” because everywhere I send you, you shall go, and all that I command you, you shall speak.”
When I was 17, my main motivation was to make some money so that I could fix up my car so that the chicks would think I was cool. I was also 17 when I had my first accident while driving a lumber delivery truck, and in my opinion… “totally the other guy's fault. He shouldn’t have stopped.” I was also still in high school looking for the easiest way to make good enough grades to get my high school diploma. My main motivation was “myself” and if God had come for a visit like He did with Jeremiah, I would have been taken aback for sure. I would likely have told God that He had the wrong guy. I’m sure we can all connect with Jeremiah in one way or another because we all know what we were like at 17.
I learn from this part of scripture because it gives an understanding of how God operates when He calls someone to His service. God equips us for the work He’s calling us to. He told Jeremiah that He will direct him what to speak and He will be with Jeremiah to protect him. That sounds pretty basic but if that’s all you need to accomplish the task, you’ve been equipped.
I’m no longer 17. In fact I’m 17+48. However, even at this age, God calls people and He equips them. If you had said to me one year ago, that today I would be on day 95 of a daily blog, I would have told you that you were out of your mind. I’m certainly not a writer! Well God has equipped me. Every day I open my Bible and calculate the verses I’m going to read based on how much of the bible I need to read daily to spread it over this year. I do not know what I am going to write when I am reading but by the time I pick up the computer to write, it starts. Sometimes I know exactly what I’m going to focus on as soon as I start writing or like today, I just started thinking of what I was like at 17. When I complete the writing for each day, my wonderful editor wife takes on the challenge of fixing what I wrote that wasn’t readable. I have no clue why God prompted me to do this but I’m pumped to do it!
2. In our Luke reading, we once again read about the “transfiguration.” Jesus takes Peter, James and John with Him to pray and while He is praying, the three disciples had fallen asleep but were fully awakened when they saw Moses, Elijah and Jesus were talking to each other. I’ve never really wondered what this was all about before because I’ve always wondered how they knew it was Moses and Elijah (easily distracted). I’m sure that’s not really important because they might have been filled in after the fact by Jesus. There is an interesting interpretation that the moment signifies. Revealed in His glory, Jesus is the fulfilment of the Law (Moses) and the prophets (Elijah). God confirms Jesus is His Son saying “This is My son, My Chosen One; Listen to Him!”
So in the spirit of the moment, listen to Jesus. The words He spoke that we have recorded in scripture are words that God wants us to hear. Jesus offers every one of us life transformation. We no longer are forced to follow the law but asked to follow only two greatest commandments: Love the Lord your God, and love your neighbour, out of gratitude for what Jesus has done for us.
It’s Easter week when I am writing this. I encourage you to attend a Good Friday service and then attend an Easter celebration service, and if you don’t generally attend church, this would be the weekend to visit. We remember Jesus' death on Friday (God redeeming us from our wayward, independent life), and we celebrate His Resurrection (new life that lasts beyond the grave) on Sunday. If you are not a Jesus follower, this may be a life changing opportunity!
Have a great day!
Steve
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