The passage

1The words of Jeremiah son of Hilkiah, one of the priests at Anathoth in the territory of Benjamin. 10See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.” 16I will pronounce my judgments on my people because of their wickedness in forsaking me, in burning incense to other gods and in worshiping what their hands have made.

Also referenced today

The shape of the message

1. Jeremiah’s setting and the scope of his ministry in Judah’s final years
2. God’s prior calling of Jeremiah and the God-centred “I” of the commission
3. Jeremiah’s sense of inadequacy and God’s promise of presence and deliverance
4. God’s Word as the source of power and the prophet’s hard work of tearing down and building
5. The visions of the almond branch and boiling pot as signs of authority and coming judgement
6. Idolatry, fear of people, and God’s final strengthening of Jeremiah for hostility

Questions to hold while you listen

• Where do you most feel “unqualified,” and how does God’s repeated “I” in Jeremiah 1:4–8 reframe that?
• When you are tempted to avoid something you know you should do, what forms can “lack of self-confidence” take as an excuse?
• Think about your online or in-person conversations about faith: what would it look like to let Scripture speak for itself rather than trading opinions?
• What “gods” compete for your total commitment—material possessions, future dreams, approval, vocational goals—and where have they displaced trust in God?
• Jeremiah was promised deliverance, not the absence of trouble; what would it mean to face this week with assurance that God will be with you and see you through?

Notes

This week

When a religious conversation arises in person or online, look up the relevant Scripture, pray over it, and respond by posting the verse and translation rather than adding your own commentary. Watch for moments when fear of people or lack of confidence tempts you to stay silent, and choose obedience instead.