Jeremiah 1:4, 5.

Here are two things that were true of Jeremiah and that are true concerning every believer:

He was a person of a dignity: ‘’Before I formed you in the womb I knew you…’’ (5a; see also Isaiah 49:5; Galatians 1:15, 16; Ephesians 1:4).

Consider the sacredness of the womb (Psalm 139:13-16): ‘’you knit me together in my mother’s womb.’’ (Psalm 139:13b). The womb is the place where life is ‘’formed’’ and from the moment of conception all the potential is there that will slowly and gradually take on a very definite pre-planned form and shape. One preacher spoke about being able to hear, in these words, the ‘’click, click of the divine knitting needles.’’ But the womb is a sacred temple that has been invaded by massed armies of death. Very few people in our society seem to understand the seriousness of this modern day ‘massacre of the innocents.’ One famous preacher said that we, in the West (maybe even the U.K. alone) have killed more people (i.e. in terms of unborn life) than Hitler killed Jews in the concentration camps. That wasn’t right, and this is certainly wrong. In one of his books, Malcolm Muggeridge wryly observed that if Mary had conceived Jesus in our day and age she might well have come under strong social pressure to abort the foetus. I’m not saying that there is never a place for abortion. When a mother’s life is in danger, for example, that surely takes precedence? However, for abortion to be used as a form of convenience and birth control is plain wrong. We cannot afford to underestimate the magnitude of this crime against God and humanity, and we will surely pay a high price for it if we do not repent. In a sense, we are offering our children on the altars of our gods (16).

He was a person of destiny: ‘’Before you saw the light of day, I had holy plans for you: A prophet to the nations – that’s what I had in mind for you.’’ The Message.

We are not all called to be prophets, but we are all called; called to be and do something for God. Our short, precious lives are not to be squandered. God’s call to you may look daunting on paper. It may not always be what you would choose. But nothing matters more in this life than that you should faithfully do the task the Lord has entrusted to you. However it may feel, God’s will is always ‘’good, pleasing and perfect’’ (Romans 12:2b). Always!

Prayer: Thank you Lord that you have superintended my formation from conception until now. I pray that my whole life will be shaped by your Hands. I want to do your will, O God, and delight to do it.