Dear Ones:
The paradox and the enigma…such is Christianity, “…for when I am weak then am I strong.” (2 Cor. 12:10) On the one hand, the Lord Jesus declares: “…for without Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5) On the other hand, Paul declares: “…I can do ALL things through Christ which strengthens me.” (Phil. 4:13) What is the issue here? It is simply that of a life lived by the Life of Another…”Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (Col. 1:27)
We see the out working of these truths in the life and calling of two prophets, Jeremiah and Moses. Here are two men who were certainly different in temperament, calling, and gifts. And yet, they shared the same basic principles of life, especially as they apply to the intervention of God in their lives. What are these mutually shared principles, that apply equally to us today?
First, we see, that because of the personal revelation of Christ to the heart, there was the CLEAR CONVICTION of God speaking to the heart. Hence, we note that God took the initiative to “draw” out their hearts to Him. For Moses, “…God called unto him out of the midst of the bush (burning), and said, ‘Moses, Moses.'” (Ex. 3:4) Jeremiah did not see a burning bush, but he did write this: “…the word of the Lord came in the days of Josiah…then the word of the Lord came unto ME…” (Jer. 1:4) Both men were clearly conscious, and convicted of the fact that God was speaking to them He was calling them. In both passages, we discover that “clarity, “conviction,” and “compassion” characterized this calling. This is the first principle…that of a clear revelation of God to the heart.
Secondly, God in His calling of the men, puts the “working and the doing” (accomplishment) of the respective goals beyond their human capacity. Moses is commanded to go and speak to Pharoah. This man, who was at one time, raised in the all the wisdom and knowledge of Egypt, mighty in word and deed, will now declare to the Lord, after spending forty years in the desert, tending sheep: “Who am I that I should go unto Pharoah…? (Ex. 3:11) He will continue: “…I am not eloquent, but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue.” (4:10) It is at this point that Moses basically tells the Lord, “Go, and get someone else.” Moses had not yet seen or understood that for everything God commands, He provides for it. Moses needed to learn to exchange his rags for God’s riches.
Jeremiah, a rather young man, is specifically called by God in very tumultuous times. His answer to God, in response to his specific calling to proclaim the word of God to Israel, was: “Ah, Lord God! Behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child.” It seems that the first thing that both Moses and Jeremiah do when called of God, is to run to the mirror and look at themselves to see if they have the resources to DO what God has called them to do. God provides them with His answer to the dilemma of their insufficiency, by giving them specific promises. The first is the promise of HIS PRESENCE. (Ex. 3:12) The second is the promise of HIS PROVISION of the words. (Jer. 1:9) Both men are called to go forth in obedient faith, according to the clear and convincing call of God. It is as they do this, that the Eternal God by His Spirit works in and through them to accomplish His word for His glory. He becomes at this point their sufficiency.
The paradox and enigma are simple…”I am nothing, You (Christ) are all, This I would be daily taught.” At the end of the day, we will see that our calling in simplicity, was to live an exchanged life, our rags exchanged for His riches on a daily basis, that He might be known.
Dear Lord Jesus, reveal Yourself to our hearts and minds, in clarity and conviction through your word. Enable us to see the enormity of Your wondrous Person, understand the specific application of Your promises, and trust in Your strength, to trust You fully. Strengthen our hearts to follow You in full assurance, and consistency of faith. Then we shall know Your sufficiency in our own insufficiency, for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Love, Dad