FROM THE LIVING BIBLE: JEREMIAH

1:1 These are God’s messages to Jeremiah the priest who lived in the town of Anathoth in the land of Benjamin.

1:4-10 The Lord said to me, "I knew you before you were formed within your mother’s womb; before you were born I sanctified you and appointed you as my spokesman to the world."

"O Lord God," I said, "I can’t do that! I’m far too young! I’m only a youth!"

"Don’t say that," He replied, "for you will go wherever I send you and speak whatever I tell you to. And don’t be afraid of the people, for I, the Lord, will be with you and see you through."

Then he touched my mouth and said, "See, I have put my words in your mouth! Today your work begins, to warn the nations and the kingdoms of the world. In accord with my words spoken through your mouth I will tear down some and destroy them, and plant others and nurture them and make them strong and great."

20:7-9 Then I said, "O Lord, you deceived me when you promised me your help. I have to give them your messages because you are stronger than I am, but now I am the laughingstock of the city, mocked by all. You have never once let me speak a word of kindness to them: always it is disaster and horror and destruction. No wonder they scoff and mock and make my name a household joke. And I can’t quit! For if I say I’ll never again mention the Lord – never more speak in his name – then his word in my heart is like fire that burns in my bones, and I can’t hold it in any longer."

20:14-18 Yet, cursed be the day that I was born. Cursed be the man who brought my father the news that a son was born. Let that messenger be destroyed like the cities of old which God overthrew without mercy. Terrify him all day long with battle shouts because he did not kill me at my birth! Oh, that I had died within my mother’s womb, that it had been my grave! Why was I ever born? For my life has been but trouble and sorrow and shame.