Sermon Date: February 2, 2025
God gave Jeremiah and each of us something more precious than an exhortation to stoic perseverance. He promised His divine presence. Jeremiah 1:4ff: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born, I set you apart; I appointed you a prophet to the nations. So do not be afraid, for I am with you”.
Isaiah 43:1-3a: “He who formed you, Israel: ‘Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine! When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, Nor will the flame burn you. For I am the Lord your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior.'”
This divine promise required the audacity to believe that the Sender knew just who He was sending, that His message lives independent of the messenger, and that His presence gave perspective to our many conflicts. Like Moses, Isaiah, and Paul, Jeremiah learned to resist the negative voices from within and the bitter conflicts from without. To stay focused on God’s promises and fulfillment in Messiah Jesus; Emmanuel.