1 00:00:00,800 --> 00:00:04,080 Speaker 1: Let us pray. And the vessel that he made of 2 00:00:04,120 --> 00:00:07,920 Speaker 1: clay was marred in the hand of the potter, so 3 00:00:08,119 --> 00:00:11,520 Speaker 1: he made it again in another vessel, as seemed good 4 00:00:11,560 --> 00:00:17,800 Speaker 1: to the potter to make it. Jeremiah eighteen four. As 5 00:00:17,800 --> 00:00:22,200 Speaker 1: the words of to day's reading echoed deep in my ears, 6 00:00:22,600 --> 00:00:28,520 Speaker 1: may the truths be etched on my heart like tattoos, 7 00:00:28,960 --> 00:00:31,280 Speaker 1: For to day is the day that I accept my 8 00:00:31,520 --> 00:00:35,720 Speaker 1: call to be set apart and consecrated to do great 9 00:00:35,880 --> 00:00:41,000 Speaker 1: works for your name, Emily Father. When doubts begin to 10 00:00:41,040 --> 00:00:45,720 Speaker 1: arise in my mind, like Jeremiah, I thank you that 11 00:00:45,920 --> 00:00:49,199 Speaker 1: your word will rise up within me like a flame 12 00:00:49,880 --> 00:00:53,480 Speaker 1: and burn all limiting beliefs that seek to hold me back. 13 00:00:55,760 --> 00:00:59,560 Speaker 1: Your word in Jeremiah one five says that before I 14 00:00:59,680 --> 00:01:03,360 Speaker 1: was in my mother's womb, you had already called me. 15 00:01:04,800 --> 00:01:09,840 Speaker 1: So I thank you that no name, no words, no 16 00:01:10,000 --> 00:01:13,840 Speaker 1: harmful lies that were ever spoken over my life can 17 00:01:13,920 --> 00:01:19,600 Speaker 1: bear any weight, because before they spoke them, you already 18 00:01:19,640 --> 00:01:24,959 Speaker 1: spoke blessing of purpose over me. Whether I had people 19 00:01:24,959 --> 00:01:28,800 Speaker 1: who believed in me or people who doubted me, it 20 00:01:28,840 --> 00:01:33,960 Speaker 1: doesn't take away from my calling and my destiny. Therefore, 21 00:01:34,000 --> 00:01:39,000 Speaker 1: like Jeremiah, I will stand tall and speak what you 22 00:01:39,120 --> 00:01:43,200 Speaker 1: tell me to speak. I will build what you called 23 00:01:43,240 --> 00:01:46,959 Speaker 1: me to build, knowing that nothing can stop the momentum 24 00:01:47,000 --> 00:01:51,440 Speaker 1: of my life because the potter of my life has 25 00:01:51,480 --> 00:01:56,559 Speaker 1: me on his wheel of destiny and in his hands 26 00:01:57,760 --> 00:02:02,600 Speaker 1: I am molded and created for greatness. And I thank 27 00:02:02,640 --> 00:02:12,799 Speaker 1: you Lord that through you it shall be done. In Jesus' name. Amen, 28 00:02:15,000 --> 00:02:17,720 Speaker 1: thank you for making prayer a priority in your day. 29 00:02:18,480 --> 00:02:21,960 Speaker 1: To learn more about the Bible, stay tuned for today's story, 30 00:02:22,520 --> 00:02:25,079 Speaker 1: brought to you by Bible in a year dot. 31 00:02:24,840 --> 00:02:39,399 Speaker 2: Com The Broken pot In our last story, Josiah continued 32 00:02:39,400 --> 00:02:42,840 Speaker 2: his reform over the nation of Judah. He cut down 33 00:02:42,880 --> 00:02:46,560 Speaker 2: all the remnants of old idols and reinstated the passover 34 00:02:47,080 --> 00:02:51,360 Speaker 2: to remember the freedom in God. However, the people continued 35 00:02:51,440 --> 00:02:55,600 Speaker 2: to long after their corrupt ways. The Lord gave Josiah 36 00:02:55,639 --> 00:02:59,760 Speaker 2: a gentle warning judgment was coming upon Judah for all 37 00:03:00,280 --> 00:03:03,480 Speaker 2: past sins. There would be a reckoning for all the 38 00:03:03,520 --> 00:03:07,679 Speaker 2: innocent souls that were led astray by past kings. Now 39 00:03:07,720 --> 00:03:11,480 Speaker 2: we peer into the life and calling of Jeremiah, who 40 00:03:11,560 --> 00:03:15,040 Speaker 2: was a prophet during the reign of Josiah. We learn 41 00:03:15,080 --> 00:03:18,520 Speaker 2: of Jeremiah's first call from God and the images that 42 00:03:18,639 --> 00:03:25,040 Speaker 2: were shown to him. Inspired by the Book of Jeremiah. 43 00:03:25,080 --> 00:03:27,760 Speaker 3: Hello, and welcome once again to the Bible and of 44 00:03:27,800 --> 00:03:31,400 Speaker 3: your podcast. This is Jack Graham. And in our last 45 00:03:31,440 --> 00:03:34,880 Speaker 3: reading we heard how Josiah brought the people back to God, 46 00:03:35,120 --> 00:03:37,440 Speaker 3: reading the Book of the Law the Covenant to them 47 00:03:37,840 --> 00:03:41,320 Speaker 3: and calling them to renew their faith in God, the 48 00:03:41,400 --> 00:03:44,160 Speaker 3: covenant that God had made with Israel in the days 49 00:03:44,280 --> 00:03:47,320 Speaker 3: of Moses. He then went through the land and destroyed 50 00:03:47,320 --> 00:03:50,440 Speaker 3: altars and shrines to honor God and protect people from 51 00:03:50,640 --> 00:03:55,960 Speaker 3: falling back into idolatry and spiritual bondage. Josiah had already 52 00:03:56,000 --> 00:03:58,480 Speaker 3: received word from God that his people would be judged 53 00:03:58,480 --> 00:04:02,320 Speaker 3: for their unfaithfulness. And today we'll see the beginning of 54 00:04:02,360 --> 00:04:05,000 Speaker 3: this time with the initial call of the prophet who 55 00:04:05,040 --> 00:04:07,920 Speaker 3: would have great significance in the story of God's people. 56 00:04:08,360 --> 00:04:12,960 Speaker 3: That prophet is Jeremiah. So let's listen to God's word today. 57 00:04:14,560 --> 00:04:18,280 Speaker 2: In the days of King Josiah, the Righteous, Jeremiah was 58 00:04:18,360 --> 00:04:21,919 Speaker 2: walking in the temple courtyards. It was dusk and the 59 00:04:21,920 --> 00:04:26,360 Speaker 2: sky was a shimmering amber. Jeremiah watched the sun slide 60 00:04:26,480 --> 00:04:30,600 Speaker 2: behind the horizon. The west wind whistled gently and the 61 00:04:30,640 --> 00:04:35,480 Speaker 2: trees beside the temples swayed to the evening lullaby. Jeremiah 62 00:04:35,520 --> 00:04:38,680 Speaker 2: sat down as the daylight left the land. He was 63 00:04:38,720 --> 00:04:41,440 Speaker 2: a very young man. Often he sought the Lord in 64 00:04:41,480 --> 00:04:45,359 Speaker 2: the coolness of nightfall. As Jeremiah closed his eyes, he 65 00:04:45,400 --> 00:04:48,440 Speaker 2: could hear a quiet voice in the wind, along with 66 00:04:48,560 --> 00:04:52,359 Speaker 2: it a gentle warmth and presence. The Lord spoke to 67 00:04:52,440 --> 00:04:57,200 Speaker 2: Jeremiah as he sat beside the temple. Before I formed 68 00:04:57,240 --> 00:05:01,640 Speaker 2: you in your mother's womb, I knew you, Jeremiah. His 69 00:05:01,800 --> 00:05:05,760 Speaker 2: voice was firm and strong, but refreshing to the soul. 70 00:05:06,560 --> 00:05:11,919 Speaker 2: Jeremiah was equally mesmerized and afraid. Before you were born, 71 00:05:12,040 --> 00:05:15,360 Speaker 2: I set you apart for the nations. I have chosen 72 00:05:15,480 --> 00:05:18,479 Speaker 2: you as a prophet to them. You shall be the 73 00:05:18,560 --> 00:05:23,880 Speaker 2: declarer of my wisdom and judgment. The Lord spoke past 74 00:05:23,960 --> 00:05:28,720 Speaker 2: Jeremiah's mind and straight to his heart. Jeremiah quivered at 75 00:05:28,720 --> 00:05:32,039 Speaker 2: the Lord's call. He knew that the position of prophet 76 00:05:32,440 --> 00:05:38,760 Speaker 2: was a great responsibility. With it came trials, judgment, and persecution. 77 00:05:40,640 --> 00:05:44,479 Speaker 2: My God, Jeremiah stuttered, I do not know how to 78 00:05:44,560 --> 00:05:47,680 Speaker 2: speak your truth. I am only a boy. How could 79 00:05:47,720 --> 00:05:51,080 Speaker 2: I do such things? Do not say to me, I 80 00:05:51,160 --> 00:05:54,960 Speaker 2: am too young. The Lord replied, wherever I call you, 81 00:05:54,960 --> 00:05:58,039 Speaker 2: you will go. What I tell you you speak, fear 82 00:05:58,160 --> 00:06:01,440 Speaker 2: is for those who do not have my press. A 83 00:06:01,520 --> 00:06:05,280 Speaker 2: bright light then burst through his mind's eye, and Jeremiah 84 00:06:05,400 --> 00:06:08,240 Speaker 2: was swept into the presence of God. He felt a 85 00:06:08,279 --> 00:06:11,880 Speaker 2: hand stretch out to him and touch his mouth. Behold, 86 00:06:11,960 --> 00:06:14,960 Speaker 2: I have placed my words in your mouth. You are 87 00:06:15,000 --> 00:06:17,719 Speaker 2: to be set apart to watch over all the nations 88 00:06:17,760 --> 00:06:21,240 Speaker 2: and kingdoms. You shall witness the building and breaking of 89 00:06:21,360 --> 00:06:26,480 Speaker 2: all things before you. Jeremiah turned his mind's eyes forward. 90 00:06:27,080 --> 00:06:30,960 Speaker 2: He saw budding almond branch slowly growing before him, and 91 00:06:31,040 --> 00:06:35,080 Speaker 2: budding beautiful little flowers. He heard the Lord behind him, 92 00:06:35,120 --> 00:06:41,040 Speaker 2: asking Jeremiah, what do you see. I see an almond branch. 93 00:06:41,400 --> 00:06:46,799 Speaker 2: Jeremiah whispered, yes, you see. Well, it, like everything else, 94 00:06:46,920 --> 00:06:51,400 Speaker 2: grows according to my word. The Lord replied, Now, what 95 00:06:51,520 --> 00:06:56,160 Speaker 2: do you see. Jeremiah felt the whistling wind pick up 96 00:06:56,240 --> 00:06:59,120 Speaker 2: as he was shown the image of a pot facing north. 97 00:07:00,080 --> 00:07:02,440 Speaker 2: The pot was over a fire and the water was 98 00:07:02,480 --> 00:07:06,600 Speaker 2: simmering into a boil. Jeremiah watched as the boiling water 99 00:07:06,720 --> 00:07:11,200 Speaker 2: grew heavier, eventually spilling over onto the fire below. I 100 00:07:11,280 --> 00:07:15,600 Speaker 2: see a boiling pot, Jeremiah answered, God, it is facing 101 00:07:15,640 --> 00:07:19,720 Speaker 2: away from the north. The Lord continued. This time his 102 00:07:19,880 --> 00:07:23,960 Speaker 2: tone was intense and filled with warning. Out of the north, 103 00:07:24,080 --> 00:07:27,720 Speaker 2: disaster is boiling. Soon the kingdoms of the North will 104 00:07:27,720 --> 00:07:31,040 Speaker 2: boil over onto the land of Judah. They shall come, 105 00:07:31,120 --> 00:07:33,640 Speaker 2: and it will be with my permission, for I am 106 00:07:33,680 --> 00:07:36,440 Speaker 2: allowing them to come into the land as judgment for 107 00:07:36,520 --> 00:07:40,800 Speaker 2: Judah's past sins. They will burn and break, but they 108 00:07:40,800 --> 00:07:44,600 Speaker 2: shall not destroy, for I am still a merciful God. 109 00:07:45,880 --> 00:07:49,440 Speaker 2: Jeremiah still struggled to completely understand the will of God. 110 00:07:49,960 --> 00:07:52,119 Speaker 2: Although he was meant to be a messenger of the Lord, 111 00:07:52,200 --> 00:07:55,240 Speaker 2: that did not mean he was particularly equipped to give it. 112 00:07:55,920 --> 00:07:58,960 Speaker 2: The Lord was gracious to Jeremiah and showed him several 113 00:07:59,000 --> 00:08:02,640 Speaker 2: images of his plan and to help explain. Arise and 114 00:08:02,720 --> 00:08:05,680 Speaker 2: go down to the Potter's house in Jerusalem. There I 115 00:08:05,720 --> 00:08:09,440 Speaker 2: will show you my will. So Jeremiah packed his things 116 00:08:09,480 --> 00:08:12,760 Speaker 2: and made his way to the potter's house. It was 117 00:08:12,840 --> 00:08:15,320 Speaker 2: dawned by the time Jeremiah made it, and the potter 118 00:08:15,440 --> 00:08:19,080 Speaker 2: was already hard at work. The rooms smelt like clay 119 00:08:19,160 --> 00:08:22,640 Speaker 2: in camp fire. Jeremiah watched as the potter worked at 120 00:08:22,640 --> 00:08:26,600 Speaker 2: his wheel. The clay spun fast on the wheel, tamed 121 00:08:26,600 --> 00:08:30,679 Speaker 2: by the potter's guiding hands. Jeremiah watched as the potter 122 00:08:30,760 --> 00:08:34,120 Speaker 2: gracefully worked his hands up and down the clay, molding 123 00:08:34,120 --> 00:08:37,920 Speaker 2: it into a tall and thin shape. The vessel continued 124 00:08:37,920 --> 00:08:40,680 Speaker 2: to spin on the wheel, However, it began to wobble 125 00:08:40,720 --> 00:08:44,040 Speaker 2: and lose its thin frame. The top began to sag, 126 00:08:44,120 --> 00:08:47,800 Speaker 2: and its edges became sloppy. Jeremiah became worried that the 127 00:08:47,840 --> 00:08:50,800 Speaker 2: pot was ruined and expected the potter to throw away 128 00:08:50,840 --> 00:08:54,120 Speaker 2: the clay and start over. Instead, the potter pressed his 129 00:08:54,240 --> 00:08:57,200 Speaker 2: fist down on the top of the clay. It continued 130 00:08:57,240 --> 00:08:59,959 Speaker 2: to spin and form into a round and wide bowl. 131 00:09:00,920 --> 00:09:03,800 Speaker 2: Jeremiah's eyes widened as he saw the potter form a 132 00:09:03,880 --> 00:09:07,800 Speaker 2: pot far more beautiful than the one before. The potter 133 00:09:07,920 --> 00:09:11,720 Speaker 2: meticulously designed the handles and spun the pot into a 134 00:09:11,800 --> 00:09:15,840 Speaker 2: marvelous work of art. Jeremiah did not realize it, but 135 00:09:15,920 --> 00:09:19,520 Speaker 2: he was crying watching the potter work. The Lord then 136 00:09:19,559 --> 00:09:23,280 Speaker 2: spoke to Jeremiah's heart. Can I not do the same 137 00:09:23,400 --> 00:09:27,320 Speaker 2: thing that the potter has done? God said softly. The 138 00:09:27,320 --> 00:09:31,640 Speaker 2: clay in the potter's hand was unruly and unbalanced. It 139 00:09:31,679 --> 00:09:34,320 Speaker 2: had to be broken down to make something more marvelous. 140 00:09:35,080 --> 00:09:38,439 Speaker 2: Jeremiah watched the potter as he listened to the Lord. 141 00:09:38,920 --> 00:09:42,600 Speaker 2: I am shaping disaster so that something more splendid may 142 00:09:42,600 --> 00:09:47,160 Speaker 2: be made. Jeremiah was filled with purpose. After this, he 143 00:09:47,280 --> 00:09:49,600 Speaker 2: left the potter's house and began to call out the 144 00:09:49,640 --> 00:09:53,680 Speaker 2: declarations of God and the temple courtyards in the city streets. 145 00:09:54,440 --> 00:09:59,200 Speaker 2: Amen your ways, Jeremiah declared, turn from your evil ways 146 00:09:59,240 --> 00:10:03,720 Speaker 2: and embrace your Savior. Much of Jeremiah's words fell on 147 00:10:03,840 --> 00:10:08,199 Speaker 2: deaf ears. People passed and paid no attention. In fact, 148 00:10:08,280 --> 00:10:11,320 Speaker 2: many of them began to grumble at his words. Yet 149 00:10:11,360 --> 00:10:15,720 Speaker 2: Jeremiah continued to speak. We have turned our backs on God, 150 00:10:16,080 --> 00:10:18,880 Speaker 2: he says to us, My people have forgotten me. Like 151 00:10:18,920 --> 00:10:23,480 Speaker 2: a bride running away from his groom. As Jeremiah spoke 152 00:10:23,520 --> 00:10:26,320 Speaker 2: the words given to him by God, his heart began 153 00:10:26,400 --> 00:10:29,880 Speaker 2: to break. He could feel the hurt in the Lord's words. 154 00:10:30,760 --> 00:10:33,840 Speaker 2: He loved his people, and year after years since freeing 155 00:10:33,880 --> 00:10:36,840 Speaker 2: them from slavery, they had found new ways to turn 156 00:10:36,880 --> 00:10:40,880 Speaker 2: away from him. Sorrow filled his heart, so he continued 157 00:10:40,920 --> 00:10:45,200 Speaker 2: to proclaim the warnings of God unashamed. This caused some 158 00:10:45,400 --> 00:10:49,840 Speaker 2: elders to conspire against Jeremiah and send him threats. He 159 00:10:49,880 --> 00:10:53,560 Speaker 2: did not cease preaching. He leaned on God for courage 160 00:10:53,559 --> 00:10:57,800 Speaker 2: and pressed on. It was midday and Jeremiah was outside 161 00:10:57,840 --> 00:11:00,280 Speaker 2: the temple gates proclaiming the word of the Lord Lord. 162 00:11:00,760 --> 00:11:04,040 Speaker 2: He spoke with the love and intensity of God, warning 163 00:11:04,080 --> 00:11:08,240 Speaker 2: people to repent and turned back to their first love. Pashur, 164 00:11:08,480 --> 00:11:13,200 Speaker 2: the chief officer and priest, watched Jeremiah from afar. He 165 00:11:13,200 --> 00:11:15,800 Speaker 2: could not stand the man, speaking as though he was 166 00:11:15,840 --> 00:11:19,920 Speaker 2: the only mouthpiece of God. Jealousy dug its roots down 167 00:11:19,960 --> 00:11:23,880 Speaker 2: deep into his heart. Eventually, hatred boiled over in him. 168 00:11:24,360 --> 00:11:26,760 Speaker 2: He picked up a club that was often used to 169 00:11:26,760 --> 00:11:30,080 Speaker 2: protect the priests in case of a robbery, and stormed 170 00:11:30,120 --> 00:11:34,200 Speaker 2: towards Jeremiah. The prophet could barely see the shadow of 171 00:11:34,240 --> 00:11:36,720 Speaker 2: Pashur before the club struck him over the side of 172 00:11:36,760 --> 00:11:40,240 Speaker 2: his face. Jeremiah fell onto the floor and smacked his 173 00:11:40,320 --> 00:11:45,160 Speaker 2: head on the cobblestone floor. Disoriented, Jeremiah stumbled to his knees, 174 00:11:45,480 --> 00:11:48,880 Speaker 2: only to be kicked in the jar. Blood dripped from 175 00:11:48,960 --> 00:11:52,360 Speaker 2: his mouth. He finally glanced up to see Pashur looming 176 00:11:52,400 --> 00:11:56,080 Speaker 2: over him before Jeremiah could say a word, he received 177 00:11:56,080 --> 00:11:57,079 Speaker 2: a swift kick. 178 00:11:56,920 --> 00:11:57,439 Speaker 1: In the ribs. 179 00:11:58,000 --> 00:12:01,120 Speaker 2: He could feel them crack on impact. Writhing in pain, 180 00:12:01,280 --> 00:12:04,400 Speaker 2: Jeremiah managed to open his eyes only to see the 181 00:12:04,400 --> 00:12:10,560 Speaker 2: club descending down once again, knocking him unconscious. Jeremiah woke 182 00:12:10,640 --> 00:12:13,319 Speaker 2: up the next day. The sun was beating down on 183 00:12:13,400 --> 00:12:15,560 Speaker 2: the back of his neck. He tried to move his 184 00:12:15,640 --> 00:12:19,760 Speaker 2: hands to rub it, but could not. Regaining consciousness, Jeremiah 185 00:12:19,760 --> 00:12:22,040 Speaker 2: discovered that his head and hands were bound in the 186 00:12:22,080 --> 00:12:26,040 Speaker 2: stalks outside the temple gates. People passed by him, giving 187 00:12:26,120 --> 00:12:30,520 Speaker 2: him grim looks of disapproval or hatred. Jeremiah hung there 188 00:12:30,600 --> 00:12:34,840 Speaker 2: all day, receiving the spitting and ridicule of passer byers. 189 00:12:35,480 --> 00:12:39,120 Speaker 2: He did not stop praying the entire time. Although many 190 00:12:39,160 --> 00:12:42,200 Speaker 2: of his prayers were asking God to release him, he 191 00:12:42,280 --> 00:12:46,200 Speaker 2: maintained his mission to preach repentance. The day was drawing 192 00:12:46,200 --> 00:12:48,760 Speaker 2: to a close and Jeremiah could hear the footsteps of 193 00:12:48,800 --> 00:12:52,719 Speaker 2: Pashur behind him. Without a word, Pasher released him from 194 00:12:52,760 --> 00:12:56,720 Speaker 2: the stocks and began to walk away. Jeremiah cleared his throat. 195 00:12:57,280 --> 00:13:00,680 Speaker 2: His head was throbbing due to dehydration and the beating 196 00:13:00,720 --> 00:13:03,360 Speaker 2: from the day before. He stood to his feet and 197 00:13:03,440 --> 00:13:07,040 Speaker 2: stuttered out a few words. The Lord no longer calls 198 00:13:07,040 --> 00:13:12,160 Speaker 2: you Pashur, Jeremiah said. The officer turned his head in curiosity. 199 00:13:12,920 --> 00:13:16,400 Speaker 2: Jeremiah looked him deeply in the eyes. You are no 200 00:13:16,440 --> 00:13:22,920 Speaker 2: longer called Passheur, but terror on every side. Passieur reached 201 00:13:22,920 --> 00:13:27,360 Speaker 2: for his club to give Jeremiah another beating, but Jeremiah continued, 202 00:13:27,600 --> 00:13:31,120 Speaker 2: this time with the full intensity of God behind his words. 203 00:13:31,640 --> 00:13:34,720 Speaker 2: Thus says the Lord, I will make you a terror 204 00:13:34,720 --> 00:13:38,800 Speaker 2: to yourself and to all who love you. Passur froze, 205 00:13:38,800 --> 00:13:42,440 Speaker 2: listening to Jeremiah intently. They shall all fall by the 206 00:13:42,480 --> 00:13:45,800 Speaker 2: sword of Babylon. All of Judah will be given into 207 00:13:45,800 --> 00:13:49,120 Speaker 2: the hand of the great Northern Kingdom. Your friends shall 208 00:13:49,160 --> 00:13:51,679 Speaker 2: be carried away as captives, and all the wealth of 209 00:13:51,720 --> 00:13:54,520 Speaker 2: the city shall be taken. And you, Pashor, will be 210 00:13:54,600 --> 00:13:57,800 Speaker 2: carried away as a captive. You shall die as a 211 00:13:57,840 --> 00:14:02,120 Speaker 2: captive like many a sure fled from the prophet, and 212 00:14:02,200 --> 00:14:05,800 Speaker 2: Jeremiah fell to his knees and wept. He lamented that 213 00:14:05,840 --> 00:14:09,080 Speaker 2: he was given the role of warning Judah. He wanted 214 00:14:09,120 --> 00:14:12,160 Speaker 2: to stop, He wanted to cease preaching the word of 215 00:14:12,200 --> 00:14:14,959 Speaker 2: the Lord. However, as Jeremiah prayed to the Lord. He 216 00:14:15,040 --> 00:14:18,319 Speaker 2: knew that he must continue. If I did not preach 217 00:14:18,360 --> 00:14:20,840 Speaker 2: your truth, there would be a fire in my bones 218 00:14:20,880 --> 00:14:24,400 Speaker 2: to speak. I cannot help but proclaim your name. I 219 00:14:24,400 --> 00:14:27,920 Speaker 2: would be weary if I held it in. Jeremiah felt 220 00:14:27,920 --> 00:14:30,440 Speaker 2: the heart of God. He would preach to people who 221 00:14:30,440 --> 00:14:33,040 Speaker 2: would not listen. He would love people that would hate 222 00:14:33,120 --> 00:14:37,560 Speaker 2: him in return. This was the burden and calling of 223 00:14:37,600 --> 00:14:38,120 Speaker 2: a shepherd. 224 00:14:42,320 --> 00:14:46,360 Speaker 3: Today's reading begins with a calling. God's voice goes out 225 00:14:46,400 --> 00:14:50,120 Speaker 3: to a young man in the courtyard of God's temple, Jeremiah. 226 00:14:50,240 --> 00:14:54,200 Speaker 3: That man wasn't expecting this, but God had planned things 227 00:14:54,240 --> 00:14:57,320 Speaker 3: for him since before he was conceived, even in his 228 00:14:57,440 --> 00:15:01,160 Speaker 3: mother's womb. If there was ever any doubt how God 229 00:15:01,280 --> 00:15:05,320 Speaker 3: views the unborn, the words he speaks to Jeremiah leaves 230 00:15:05,440 --> 00:15:08,880 Speaker 3: us no doubt. There was a prophet in the womb 231 00:15:09,120 --> 00:15:12,200 Speaker 3: of this woman his mother. God knew him and had 232 00:15:12,240 --> 00:15:15,920 Speaker 3: a purpose for him before his life begin, and that 233 00:15:16,000 --> 00:15:19,720 Speaker 3: life began when he was conceived. A calling from God 234 00:15:19,960 --> 00:15:23,080 Speaker 3: is a privilege, and it should not be taken lightly. 235 00:15:23,640 --> 00:15:27,560 Speaker 3: Jeremiah seemed to understand the depth and gravity of this call. 236 00:15:28,320 --> 00:15:32,080 Speaker 3: This would be costly and often uncomfortable. People would even 237 00:15:32,120 --> 00:15:35,120 Speaker 3: hate him and want to take his life, and his 238 00:15:35,160 --> 00:15:38,760 Speaker 3: first reaction is to object. I'm too young to speak 239 00:15:38,800 --> 00:15:41,960 Speaker 3: for you, was his reply. But God was not interested 240 00:15:42,160 --> 00:15:47,080 Speaker 3: in Jeremiah's objection or excuses. Still, he encouraged the young man, 241 00:15:47,200 --> 00:15:50,400 Speaker 3: saying in Jeremiah one p. Eight, do not be afraid 242 00:15:50,440 --> 00:15:53,480 Speaker 3: of them, for I'm with you to deliver you, declares 243 00:15:53,520 --> 00:15:57,840 Speaker 3: the Lord. God was reminding Jeremiah what we also need 244 00:15:57,840 --> 00:16:02,120 Speaker 3: to hear, that he who calls us is greater than 245 00:16:02,160 --> 00:16:05,480 Speaker 3: any obstacle that we face. That if God before us, 246 00:16:05,720 --> 00:16:09,280 Speaker 3: who can be against us, we shall always listen to 247 00:16:09,360 --> 00:16:12,360 Speaker 3: the still small voice, to the word of God that 248 00:16:12,520 --> 00:16:16,280 Speaker 3: calls us to his service. The Lord then gave Jeremiah 249 00:16:16,320 --> 00:16:19,920 Speaker 3: a vision a pot filled with water over a fire. 250 00:16:20,560 --> 00:16:23,000 Speaker 3: The pot was pointing north, and the fire brought the 251 00:16:23,040 --> 00:16:26,880 Speaker 3: water to a boil. God then gave Jeremiah understanding of 252 00:16:26,920 --> 00:16:30,240 Speaker 3: what it meant. God's judgment was coming from the north 253 00:16:30,320 --> 00:16:34,720 Speaker 3: to punish Judah for its past sins. This would only 254 00:16:34,760 --> 00:16:38,640 Speaker 3: happen with God's permission. A reminder of the Lord's total 255 00:16:38,680 --> 00:16:43,120 Speaker 3: sovereignty and supremacy. God would use a foreign enemy for 256 00:16:43,160 --> 00:16:46,440 Speaker 3: his purposes to correct and cleanse his own people, and 257 00:16:46,520 --> 00:16:50,320 Speaker 3: though the enemy would invade, burn and break Judah, they 258 00:16:50,360 --> 00:16:54,600 Speaker 3: would not destroy the people. Jeremiah was beginning to understand, 259 00:16:54,640 --> 00:16:57,480 Speaker 3: but he still needed more. The Lord showed him many 260 00:16:57,520 --> 00:16:59,880 Speaker 3: things that were going to happen, and yet he struggled 261 00:16:59,880 --> 00:17:04,080 Speaker 3: to grasp God's plan. We then heard how God sent 262 00:17:04,200 --> 00:17:06,960 Speaker 3: him to the house of a potter it was time 263 00:17:07,000 --> 00:17:10,080 Speaker 3: for an object lesson. He watched as the potter worked 264 00:17:10,080 --> 00:17:13,600 Speaker 3: the wheels, spinning the clay and shaping it into a pot. 265 00:17:13,920 --> 00:17:16,560 Speaker 3: But the clay lost its shape and all seemed lost. 266 00:17:17,400 --> 00:17:20,119 Speaker 3: But rather than toss out the clay, the potter began 267 00:17:20,240 --> 00:17:24,320 Speaker 3: to work it again. God used this to explain how 268 00:17:24,359 --> 00:17:27,399 Speaker 3: he can use brokenness in our own lives to shape 269 00:17:27,400 --> 00:17:31,800 Speaker 3: his people. Jeremiah was filled with confidence and went about 270 00:17:31,840 --> 00:17:37,160 Speaker 3: speaking God's words and warnings to all who would listen. Unfortunately, 271 00:17:37,200 --> 00:17:40,480 Speaker 3: not many did. They turned away from God and his word, 272 00:17:41,359 --> 00:17:43,760 Speaker 3: and just like the prophets who had come before him, 273 00:17:44,080 --> 00:17:49,560 Speaker 3: Jeremiah faced opposition, hatred, and even physical harm. We heard 274 00:17:49,600 --> 00:17:52,639 Speaker 3: the story of Pastor, the chief of priest, who was 275 00:17:52,680 --> 00:17:55,880 Speaker 3: so angry he beat Jeremiah and placed him in stocks 276 00:17:55,920 --> 00:17:59,199 Speaker 3: to be ridiculed by those who passed by. But just 277 00:17:59,240 --> 00:18:02,560 Speaker 3: as God had promised. In the end, those like Pastor 278 00:18:02,880 --> 00:18:07,000 Speaker 3: did not prevail against Jeremiah, and he continued working for 279 00:18:07,040 --> 00:18:11,720 Speaker 3: God's purposes. Speaking God's truth is not always easy, but 280 00:18:11,840 --> 00:18:16,119 Speaker 3: we should surely always speak God's words, whether in ancient 281 00:18:16,200 --> 00:18:20,399 Speaker 3: Judah or in our culture today. When we speak God's truth, 282 00:18:21,040 --> 00:18:25,360 Speaker 3: it can be costly, it can be tiring, it can 283 00:18:25,440 --> 00:18:29,320 Speaker 3: be frightening. But as Jeremiah testified, he had no choice 284 00:18:29,320 --> 00:18:32,399 Speaker 3: but to cry out with God's word. Holding it in 285 00:18:32,600 --> 00:18:35,119 Speaker 3: was not an option. And even when we speak to 286 00:18:35,160 --> 00:18:38,120 Speaker 3: people who do not listen, it is our calling as 287 00:18:38,200 --> 00:18:41,200 Speaker 3: Christians to be witnesses of the good news, the gospel 288 00:18:41,359 --> 00:18:44,359 Speaker 3: of Christ, and to reach as many people as we 289 00:18:44,440 --> 00:18:47,720 Speaker 3: can with God's truth. This was what God was doing 290 00:18:47,960 --> 00:18:51,840 Speaker 3: through Jeremiah and what God wants to do through you. 291 00:18:53,119 --> 00:18:57,040 Speaker 3: Heavenly Father, we thank you for your word. We pray 292 00:18:57,119 --> 00:18:59,320 Speaker 3: that you would give us strength and courage to always 293 00:18:59,359 --> 00:19:02,399 Speaker 3: stand for you and your truth, even when people don't 294 00:19:02,440 --> 00:19:06,920 Speaker 3: listen or are even hostile. Give us the resolve and 295 00:19:06,960 --> 00:19:10,600 Speaker 3: the resilience, the courage and the bravery to speak your 296 00:19:10,640 --> 00:19:16,800 Speaker 3: words with clarity and conviction. In Jesus' name, Amen, thank 297 00:19:16,840 --> 00:19:19,639 Speaker 3: you for listening. To Today's Bible in a year podcast. 298 00:19:20,040 --> 00:19:23,480 Speaker 3: I'm pastor Jack Graham from Dallas, Texas. You could download 299 00:19:23,560 --> 00:19:26,280 Speaker 3: the Prey dot com app and make Bible study and 300 00:19:26,359 --> 00:19:30,639 Speaker 3: prayer the priority of your life. If you enjoyed this podcast, 301 00:19:30,720 --> 00:19:33,960 Speaker 3: please share it with someone you love because the Word 302 00:19:34,000 --> 00:19:36,879 Speaker 3: of God will make a tremendous difference in people's lives. 303 00:19:38,320 --> 00:19:40,000 Speaker 3: And if you want to know more as to how 304 00:19:40,040 --> 00:19:43,080 Speaker 3: you can grow in your Christian life and faith, how 305 00:19:43,119 --> 00:19:46,520 Speaker 3: you can develop as a follower of Jesus into a strong, 306 00:19:46,640 --> 00:19:50,880 Speaker 3: dynamic witness, then be sure and visit Jack Graham dot org. 307 00:19:51,240 --> 00:19:55,000 Speaker 3: We have multiple resources there available for you. Again, that's 308 00:19:55,119 --> 00:20:01,520 Speaker 3: Jack Graham dot org. God bless you and good day. 309 00:20:04,400 --> 00:20:08,240 Speaker 1: This episode is sponsored by Meta Share, an innovative healthcare 310 00:20:08,240 --> 00:20:14,119 Speaker 1: solution for Christians to save money without sacrificing quality. Welcome 311 00:20:14,119 --> 00:20:16,880 Speaker 1: to the Prey News podcast, where hope is our only bias. 312 00:20:18,000 --> 00:20:21,080 Speaker 2: Each day, we'll unpack the most prominent stories happening in 313 00:20:21,119 --> 00:20:23,240 Speaker 2: the news and offer a Christian perspective. 314 00:20:24,080 --> 00:20:26,359 Speaker 1: We won't shy away from the hard topics, and we 315 00:20:26,440 --> 00:20:30,200 Speaker 1: won't dilute the hopeful message of Christ. This is more 316 00:20:30,240 --> 00:20:31,639 Speaker 1: than a daily brief on the news. 317 00:20:31,920 --> 00:20:34,640 Speaker 2: It's a way to be informed and transformed. 318 00:20:35,840 --> 00:20:39,360 Speaker 1: Listen to Prey News on the iHeartRadio app, Apple podcasts, 319 00:20:39,440 --> 00:20:41,159 Speaker 1: or wherever you get your podcasts.