Reflection: Jeremiah, when God knows us Further reading: Jeremiah 1:1-12
Jeremiah’s story reflects a vivid intimacy in God’s relationship with people. Before we were even conceived, in human terms, God knew us. The Message translates Psalm 22:9 as ‘. . . you were midwife at my birth, setting me at my mother’s breasts! When I left the womb, you cradled me; since the moment of birth, you’ve been my God.’
God knew us before the thought of us crossed the minds of our parents. He knew us as we were growing in utero, and he was there, present in the very room when we were born.
Considering this, Jeremiah’s objection ‘I am too young’ does sound a little silly. God had known this young boy for millennia. God had planned for him to speak to the nations.
These verses are a manifesto for children through the ages, and all around the world. God has commissioned them to speak because, before they were formed, he’d planned to help them lead others to himself. When Jeremiah was fearful of the consequences of speaking out, God assures him of his abiding presence and his empowering Spirit, and then simply asks him to say what he sees.
When God calls children into their purposes, his timing is his business. When young people step out in faith and say what they see, it can change the course of history. We would be wise to listen, and not say to them, ‘alas, you are too young’.
Question: In what ways can you encourage young people to speak out for justice and for what’s right?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, you know us so well. You know every fear, every hesitation. Lead us to trust in your empowering presence. Help us make a way for the voices of children so we do not miss what you can teach us through them. Amen.