Jeremiah Part Two Deep Dive

A PROPHETS CALLING | PS NAT TAYLOR

It was recently declared over me, “the gift of prophecy rides on the back of the character of courage. You’ve got both and hats off to you. When you are like that you create enemies just because you are like that and I would say get used to it for the rest of your life. That you are here to upset the apple cart, you are here to upset the status quo, and that’s not you interfering, that’s you with gifting. That’s who you are. Who you are is to turn things that are wrong side up and to turn them right side up. That’s you and so don’t be a conformist. Don’t be a nice person. Be a revolutionary, that’s what you're called to do. Let Hartley (my lovely husband) be the nice guy.”

I share this with you because it so aptly describes the position of the prophet. I wonder if Jeremiah had a voice of affirmation in his life reinstating his authority and his call? Well, of course, we know he did, the voice of the Great I Am. I understand the prophets Zephaniah and Isaiah were also his mentors.

He certainly knew what it was to be a voice, as described above that disturbs to bring holy order. There were times when other prophets were prophesying peace and Jeremiah was prophesying destruction. Throughout the years Jeremiah suffered persecution but was divinely protected to continue as God’s messenger to warn the wicked and offer comfort to those who trusted in God.

More is known about the personal history of Jeremiah than about any other prophet in the Old Testament. Jeremiah began his prophetic ministry about 627 BC. He experienced the golden years of his ministry until King Josiah was killed in 609 BC. During the remaining years, Jeremiah had a difficult time, once the King's confidant and friend, Jeremiah now entered a round of persecution and imprisonment, alternating with brief periods of freedom. Jeremiah is called the weeping prophet, because of the difficulties he encountered. Jeremiah’s voice echoed through the reign of five kings of Judah.

Jeremiah was called in Jeremiah 1:5 amp “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you and approved of you (as My chosen instrument) , and before you were born I separated and set you apart , consecrating you; and I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” The Lord addressed Jeremiah’s humanity and turned his vulnerability into his strength. Jeremiah initially resisted the call complaining he was only a child and did not know how to speak. However, the Lord touched his mouth, filling it with His words. I can relate to this, I know what it is to feel inadequate, and I know what it is to have God fill me and flow through me with his word and power, there is nothing like it! The traits of Jeremiah evolved, and he became unafraid, he stood up to speak, spoke as told, and went where he was sent. Initially, Jeremiah was a preaching prophet, many years later Jeremiah wrote down these oracles and his messages.

We all love the iconic Jeremiah scripture chapter 29 verse 11 amp reads “For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome.” This statement is declared corporately over the nation of Israel, following a prescription of a 70-year exile in verse 10 and the scriptures confirm this eventuates. When God sent a promise through the prophets, that promise came true. This scripture is often quoted to give confidence for an individual and their hopes for their future, but it’s so much bigger than that, it’s about the future hope of the Kingdom of God and our coming King. Although this scripture was for a nation, not to us direct, all scriptures are for us, timeless promises to claim. Happy reading, Jeremiah is a literary journey you won’t regret!

Ps Nat Taylor together with her husband Hartley are Senior Pastors of C3 Port Macquarie. Together Hartley and Nat have three beautiful children Sienna (11) Jesse (8) and Cleo (5). Nat's life scripture is "Zeal for your house it consumes me". Her life's cause is to build the local church, empower leaders and magnify Jesus. Nat is a passionate preacher, moves in the prophetic and loves the presence of God. 

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jeremiah part two

jeremiah part three