Post by Les Brewer on Sept 30, 2023 16:05:34 GMT
The Power of Voice By: Kimya Loder
Click here for the Audio Message
I have put my words in your mouth.
Jeremiah 1:9
Today's Scripture & Insight:
Jeremiah 1:4–9
The most powerful orators in history are often those leaders who’ve used their voices to bring about positive change. Consider William Wilberforce, whose speeches in parliament helped lead to the end of slavery in the British Empire in 1833. What if he’d chosen to be silent? We all possess the capacity to use our voice to inspire and help others, but the fear of speaking out can be paralysing. In the moments when we feel overwhelmed by this fear, we can look to God, our source of divine wisdom and encouragement.
When God called Jeremiah to be a prophet to the nations, he immediately began to doubt his own abilities. He cried out, “I do not know how to speak; I am too young” (Jeremiah 1:6). But God wouldn’t allow Jeremiah’s fear to get in the way of his divine calling to inspire a generation through his voice. Instead, He instructed the prophet to simply trust God by saying and doing whatever He commanded (v. 7). In addition to affirming Jeremiah, He also equipped him. “I have put my words in your mouth” (v. 9), He assured him.
When we ask God to show us how He wants to use us, He’ll equip us to carry out our purpose. With His help, we can boldly use our voice to make a positive impact on those around us.
Reflect & Pray
When have you been afraid to use your voice? How might you rely on God’s strength and wisdom to speak up?
Heavenly Father, give me the strength to use the power of my words to influence those around me for the better.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
The account of God calling the prophet Jeremiah (Jeremiah 1:4–10) emphasizes that it’s God who calls and equips us. God emphasized that Jeremiah was called to his prophetic work even before conception (v. 5). Similarly, the apostle Paul described God calling him to his work before he was born (Galatians 1:15). Jeremiah responds much like Moses (Exodus 4:10) and questions whether he’s best suited for the work ( Jeremiah 1:6). As with Moses, God responded by insisting on Jeremiah’s obedience and assuring him that His power would be with him (vv. 4–8). Then God “touched [Jeremiah’s] mouth,” which likely indicated purifying him, and put His own words in his mouth (v. 9). Finally, Jeremiah is told of the unique focus of his prophetic work, which would both “uproot and tear down” (v. 10).
Monica La Rose
Jeremiah 1:4-9
King James Version
4 Then the word of the Lord came unto me, saying,
5 Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.
6 Then said I, Ah, Lord God! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child.
7 But the Lord said unto me, Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak.
8 Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the Lord.
9 Then the Lord put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And the Lord said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth.
Click here for the Audio Message
I have put my words in your mouth.
Jeremiah 1:9
Today's Scripture & Insight:
Jeremiah 1:4–9
The most powerful orators in history are often those leaders who’ve used their voices to bring about positive change. Consider William Wilberforce, whose speeches in parliament helped lead to the end of slavery in the British Empire in 1833. What if he’d chosen to be silent? We all possess the capacity to use our voice to inspire and help others, but the fear of speaking out can be paralysing. In the moments when we feel overwhelmed by this fear, we can look to God, our source of divine wisdom and encouragement.
When God called Jeremiah to be a prophet to the nations, he immediately began to doubt his own abilities. He cried out, “I do not know how to speak; I am too young” (Jeremiah 1:6). But God wouldn’t allow Jeremiah’s fear to get in the way of his divine calling to inspire a generation through his voice. Instead, He instructed the prophet to simply trust God by saying and doing whatever He commanded (v. 7). In addition to affirming Jeremiah, He also equipped him. “I have put my words in your mouth” (v. 9), He assured him.
When we ask God to show us how He wants to use us, He’ll equip us to carry out our purpose. With His help, we can boldly use our voice to make a positive impact on those around us.
Reflect & Pray
When have you been afraid to use your voice? How might you rely on God’s strength and wisdom to speak up?
Heavenly Father, give me the strength to use the power of my words to influence those around me for the better.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
The account of God calling the prophet Jeremiah (Jeremiah 1:4–10) emphasizes that it’s God who calls and equips us. God emphasized that Jeremiah was called to his prophetic work even before conception (v. 5). Similarly, the apostle Paul described God calling him to his work before he was born (Galatians 1:15). Jeremiah responds much like Moses (Exodus 4:10) and questions whether he’s best suited for the work ( Jeremiah 1:6). As with Moses, God responded by insisting on Jeremiah’s obedience and assuring him that His power would be with him (vv. 4–8). Then God “touched [Jeremiah’s] mouth,” which likely indicated purifying him, and put His own words in his mouth (v. 9). Finally, Jeremiah is told of the unique focus of his prophetic work, which would both “uproot and tear down” (v. 10).
Monica La Rose
Jeremiah 1:4-9
King James Version
4 Then the word of the Lord came unto me, saying,
5 Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.
6 Then said I, Ah, Lord God! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child.
7 But the Lord said unto me, Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak.
8 Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the Lord.
9 Then the Lord put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And the Lord said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth.
