Logos -- Jeremiah 1

Now the word of the LORD came to me saying, "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."

Then I said, "Ah, Lord GOD! Truly I do not know how to speak, for I am only a boy."

But the LORD said to me, "Do not say, 'I am only a boy'; for you shall go to all to whom I send you, and you shall speak whatever I command you, Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, says the LORD."

Then the LORD put out his hand and touched my mouth; and the LORD said to me, "Now I have put my words in your mouth. See, today I appoint you over nations and over kingdoms, to pluck up and to pull down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant." Jeremiah 1:4-10

This is one of the lectionary readings for the week. What do you think of this passage? I find many words of comfort.

• The idea that God has known me since before I was born is comforting. It reminds me, of course, of Psalm 139. Someone who knows me that well, and loves me anyway? Grace.
• Even when we feel inadequate, God reassures us that we should not. Do not be afraid. Go where I send you, and I will be with you.
• God will equip us -- give us words to say and a mission to accomplish.