The word translated "words" can also mean "matters" or "affairs". In the book we get both the words given to Jeremiah by God and various events that happened to him and to the nation. Jeremiah means "the Lord exalts" or "the Lord founds". Jeremiah was not a priest himself, but did come from a priestly background. He started his ministry in the thirteenth year of Josiah and continued right up until the captivity of Jerusalem. Some of the kings he prophesied under are mentioned. The two who are not mentioned reigned only for a few months. OT prophesy exists within a definite historical context and looks forward to fulfilment of God's plans in Christ. We need to appreciate both aspects if we are to fully understand prophecy.
Then we get details of the call of Jeremiah. This was all planned long ago. God knew him before He formed him in the womb. There is so much to learn from this. We were all created on purpose by God, with definite plans in mind. Paul talks about those whom God foreknew. In Ephesians 2 he talks about the good works prepared in advance for us to do. We are not an accident, our lives are not a matter of chance. However, we must beware of falling into the trap of silly debates about predestination, or descending into fatalism. These words are given to encourage and motivate and strengthen us to live lives worthy of our calling. The decisions we make are real, but somehow God works everything out and it is His plans that come to fruition.
Note also that Jeremiah was appointed a prophet to the nations, not Israel alone. God's plans are for the whole world.
We were formed in the womb. This has profound consequences for our view of life.
No comments:
Post a Comment