Old Testament | Jeremiah 1:4-10 (with Nick Locke)

About this Episode

Opening Song: 

Canvas and Clay by Ben Smith, Chris Tomlin, and Pat Barrett

Lyrics:

In my mother's womb

You formed me with Your hands

Known and loved by You

Before I took a breath

When I doubt it Lord remind me

I'm wonderfully made

You're an artist and a potter

I'm the canvas and the clay

 

(And) You make all things work together

For my future and for my good

You make all things work together

For Your glory and for Your name

 

There's a healing light

Just beyond the clouds

Though I've walked through fire

I see clearly now

I know nothing has been wasted

No failure or mistake

You're an artist and a potter

I'm the canvas and the clay

 

When I doubt it Lord remind me

I'm wonderfully made

You're an artist and a potter

I'm the canvas and the clay

I know nothing has been wasted

No failure or mistake

You're an artist and a potter

I'm the canvas and the clay

 

You're not finished with me

You're not finished with me yet

Passage: 

Jer 1:4-10

 

Now the word of the Lord came to me, saying,

 

5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,

and before you were born I consecrated you;

I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”

 

6 Then I said, “Ah, Lord God! Behold, I do not know how to speak, for I am only a youth.” 7 But the Lord said to me,

 

“Do not say, ‘I am only a youth’;

for to all to whom I send you, you shall go,

and whatever I command you, you shall speak.

8 Do not be afraid of them,

for I am with you to deliver you,

declares the Lord.”

 

9 Then the Lord put out his hand and touched my mouth. And the Lord said to me,

 

“Behold, I have put my words in your mouth.

10 See, I have set you this day over nations and over kingdoms,

to pluck up and to break down,

to destroy and to overthrow,

to build and to plant.”

Musical Reflection:

 I Need Thee Every Hour (NEED) by Robert Lowry

Reflection Notes: 

Each stanza of this familiar hymn was written by Annie Hawks as part of a poem. When she showed the composition to her pastor, Robert Lowry, he added the refrain and set the text to music for their congregation to enjoy. The musical lines always tend upward before falling back down, an apt parallel to the textual pleas reaching up to God. 

Prayer:

This is another day, O Lord. I know not what it will bring forth, but make me ready, Lord, for whatever it may be. If I am to stand up, help me to stand bravely. If I am to sit still, help me to sit quietly. If I am to lie low, help me to do it patiently. And if I am to do nothing, let me do it gallantly. Make these words more than words, and give me the Spirit of Jesus. Amen.