However, the twist is that their significance is not ultimately in who they are but in whose they are! It is our identity in Christ that defines us and gives us such incredible meaning and worth. This is so evident in the life of Jeremiah the prophet. In chapter one of his book, we read an exchange that Jeremiah had with God. It went like this (chapter 1, verses 4-8):
The Lord gave me this message: “I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.” “O Sovereign Lord ,” I said, “I can’t speak for you! I’m too young!” The lord replied, “Don’t say, ‘I’m too young,’ for you must go wherever I send you and say whatever I command you. And don’t be afraid of the people, for I will be with you and I will protect you. I, the Lord, have spoken!”
You know what's interesting about this passage? It's that God reminds Jeremiah of his worth, but it's not about the prophet at all. It's all about what GOD has done for and in Jeremiah. Read it again, but with my emphasis:
The Lord gave me this message: “I KNEW YOU before I FORMED YOU in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I SET YOU APART AND APPOINTED YOU as my prophet to the nations.” “O Sovereign Lord ,” I said, “I can’t speak for you! I’m too young!” The lord replied, “Don’t say, ‘I’m too young,’ for you must go wherever I SEND YOU and say whatever I COMMAND YOU. And don’t be afraid of the people, for I WILL BE WITH YOU and I WILL PROTECT YOU. I, the Lord, have spoken!”
Look at all that God had done for Jeremiah! He was an incredible man with an incredible mission, but it wasn't about him, it was about the One who made him and gave him purpose. In the end, again, it wasn't about who Jeremiah was, it was all about WHOSE he was!
Isn't that awesome?! Our lives and our stories matter, they have worth, because GOD SAYS THEY MATTER AND HAVE WORTH.
I think that's pretty cool!