Prophets in Progress

Dwelling in the Word

Theme: Our young people are prophets in progress—handle with care.

Scripture: Jeremiah 1:4–10 & Mark 10:14

This is a precious moment with my daughter enjoying some time at the driving range together. She was a natural! We need these small moments of joy with our children to ground them in what really matters in life--time with each other.

Dwelling in the Word is a sacred rhythm of slowing down and listening—not just once, but over time. This practice is most impactful when you return to the same passage every day for several days in a row. Each time you read, something new may rise to the surface—a word, an image, a question. That stirring is the Spirit speaking. Let yourself sit with it.

To begin, take a deep breath and read the scripture slowly, either silently or aloud. Sit with a phrase, word, or image that stands out. What resonates with your spirit today? Ask: What might God be saying to me through this? Don’t rush past the discomfort or skip over beauty. Let the Word dwell in you richly. If you're with others, take turns sharing what caught your attention without correcting or debating. Simply listen. Then, rest in prayer or quiet journaling. You may want to keep a few notes each day as the passage unfolds in new ways throughout the week.

Jeremiah 1:4–10 (NRSV)

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.”

Mark 10:14 (NRSV)

But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the little children come to me; do not stop them, for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs.”

There is a tenderness and fire in this week’s scriptures. In Jeremiah, we meet a prophet in progress—a child, full of hesitancy and insecurity. And yet, God says, “Before you were born, I knew you. I called you.” Jesus echoes this in Mark with a kind of holy frustration. When others tried to keep children away, he insisted: Do not stop them. The Kingdom belongs to them. In a time when so many young people are overwhelmed with anxiety, burnout, and pressure to perform, these words hit home. God’s calling does not wait for perfection. Our youth carry wisdom we often overlook. They are not just the “future of the church”—they are the church now. They are prophets in progress. Handle with care. Meaning, let's give them space to share what they value or how they see the world even if it is drastically different than how we see it. Let's make space for their voices and not always assume that because they are children that they don't have something to teach us about life. Let them speak--uninterrupted by our opinions or lessons. Let them speak and even be wrong. Let them and speak and let us be the kind of adults with ears willing to hear them.

Reflection Questions:

What stands out to you in these scriptures? How does God speak through youth in your life?

What pressures or expectations might be weighing down the young people around you?

How can you make room for their voice, their gifts, and their rest?

Closing Prayer:

God who calls us before we’re ready, we lift up our children, teens, and young adults—prophets in progress, full of wonder and weariness. As they prepare for a new school year, surround them with protection, with safe spaces to grow, to question, and to become. We pray for classrooms where creativity is nourished, for teachers who carry both curriculum and compassion, for school staff who offer unseen support, and for parents and caregivers navigating it all. May learning be joyful. May pressure be lightened. May anxiety be met with peace. And may your Spirit walk every hallway, every bus route, every playground. Give us eyes to see the sacredness in every student, and courage to stand beside them with tenderness and truth. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Let’s continue to lift up our teens and children this week—at home, in school, and in church. May we hold them with the care and reverence God shows Jeremiah and Jesus shows the children.

Reminder: Associate Minister Nicole will be preaching this Sunday while Pastor TJ is away for a community service in Apollo. Let’s show Nicole our full support as she brings the Word.

See you Sunday at 9:30 AM—in person or online.