I tried to read the same passage but with another perspective. This time, from the bigger picture. Probably, a Chinese will read it this way. A Chinese will read more about how may I fulfill the bigger plan? And if Jeremiah were to hear God's massage this way, it would be 'wow, I am involved in God's plan of not just of my own people, the Jews, but to nations.

He might wonder how this would be possible. I would. Somehow, God did not elaborate. He only did it when Jeremiah asked more. Otherwise, He expected that we recieve it by faith. And it is by faith the Jeremiah became a prophet to nations.

While we tend to start thinking about ourselves, God is reminding us to see where we are in His kingdom plan.

My group is starting on the study of Jeremiah. I am starting to read it and hope to record some of my reflection.

Jeremiah was told that way before he was formed in his mother womb, God has chosen him to be a prophet to the nations. Not a nation but nations. God was not speaking to Jeremiah about a plan for his personal life, but His salvation plan for the world. Profound! His love for all started long ago.

He was sanctified, selected for a purpose. God's do not work by chance but by plan. I spent some time to consider and ask God, what of His purpose am I sanctified to serve? Generally, I am called to reach out and make disciples. It was in the Great Commission. But how do I live that out as a VP? Who are the ppl I am reaching out to? Staff, parents and students? How do I do that and yet do my best in my leadership role? If God were to speak to me like Jeremiah, what would He say?

I know I will need to step forward, by faith, in obedience, and let Him leads me to live out the destiny.

The journey of faith is so exciting!

Have been reading the original version (Chinese) lost and recovered journal of John Sung. Very inspired by his life, thoughts and obedience to God. How he took sin and salvation seriously. I realise how short-coming I am.
His journal depicted a very different picture from I saw on TV during the Olymapic in Beijing 2008. While we witness the firework, expertise ans coordination etc, we all must not forget the many who are struggling with having a home (Szechuan earthquake survivors) and most of all, how to deal with their sin.

Lord, forgive me. Amen