“Lame excuses”

By Rev. Michael Stonhouse

Meditation – Sunday, January 30, 2022

Jeremiah 1:4-10 (Forward, p. 93) CEV p. 764

How often it is that I find myself mirrored in the lives of various Biblical characters! For instance, in the lives of those individuals who were quite convinced that they were unworthy, or unsuited, to be used by God. We see this in Moses, who claimed that he stuttered and was poor in speaking (Exodus 4:10), and in Isaiah, who asserted that he was sinful and dwelt among people who were sinful (Isaiah 6:5). And here, today, we see the same kind of excuse-making in Jeremiah, who asserted that he was not a good speaker, and was far too young (verse 6).

It is interesting to note what God does in each case—obviously, each case was different and unique—for God resorts to three differing strategies. In Moses’ case, He designates Aaron, Moses’ brother, to be his deputy and spokesman. With Isaiah, God removed the sin from him, purifies him and gives him a new, uncontaminated message. However, with Jeremiah, God basically says, “suck it up, man. It is you that I have chosen, so ‘get off the pot’ and do as you are told.”

You see, excuses, especially those of human origin, don’t really ‘cut it’ with the Lord. He knows and sees us as we are and knows far more minutely than we do just what we are capable of. So, He chooses us, ‘warts and all’, because He knows that the ‘package’ that are will serve His purposes to a t. He knows that the unique person that is represented in each of us and go places and do things, and thereby be His presence and speak His word, where no other living person could. And so, He chooses us, you and me, with a plan, and a purpose that is unique to us. All He waits for is for us to say ‘yes’ and let Him use us as only He can. Amen.

Forward notes: “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” (verse 5).

“When I was pregnant with my youngest daughter, we had a hard time choosing a name. For a while, we entertained one name until we got to the end of my pregnancy. We decided to name her after our most beloved memories as a couple. Now, as a preschooler, she does not tolerate terms of endearment or cute names. She repeats her name to us and reminds us of why we named her what we did.

“While we had a hard time choosing a name, we found one that was right for her. Yet, God knew her name before she was born. God saw her before she was ever formed. She arrived with purpose and utilizes every opportunity she can to remind us of who she is. Like my daughter, we should never forget our name in God. We should not let go of our purpose, and we should demand our name remain sacred just as God intended.”

MOVING FORWARD: “Research your name. If possible, talk to those who named you about their process and thinking.”