Reading For Thursday Jeremiah 1:1-19
The call of Jeremiah merely affirms that the word of the Lord came to him without bothering to explain the circumstances or mechanics of that process. This autobiographical narrative states that God summoned him to service assured him of support confirmed him in ministry, and encouraged him to action. The very first revelation that came to Jeremiah was directed at him personally. God had “formed” him in his mother’s womb, and he was supplied with what was necessary to bring about what God desired to accomplish through him. God knew his strengths and weaknesses, chose him and set him apart from all others to fulfill a particular mission. This series of divine affirmations impressed upon Jeremiah’s mind the fact that God had a definite plan and purpose for him. Jeremiah was appointed as an official ambassador of God who spoke in his name and by his authority. Though other prophets spoke to and about foreign nations, Jeremiah is the only prophet to receive the title “prophet to the nations.” The fate of tiny Judah was so inextricably interwoven with the superpowers that anything he would say to or about his country would of necessity involve the nations of the world. Jeremiah was initially intimidated by the things that God was asking of him and in an emotional outburst, he expressed a deep sense of unworthiness. He felt he was too young and that he did not know how to speak.
God gently reassured him. Jeremiah was instructed to focus on God’s strength. God would direct both the where of his ministry and the what. He would go where God directed him, and he would speak what God revealed to him. God gave Jeremiah the assurance of deliverance and power. Jeremiah would preach God’s word. Jeremiah’s call was confirmed by visions. The prophet could speak the divine word with the assurance that God was alert and awake, that his word would not fail. This section concludes with a series of exhortations designed to challenge Jeremiah to begin his ministry. He must dress up, stand up, speak up, and bear up. God would prepare the prophet for his confrontation with a hostile people. They would find this man to have a God-given mettle and determination. Kings, princes, priests and prominent people of the land would fight against him by every means, but they would not be able to overcome Jeremiah for God was his source of strength.
Things To Consider:
- What does the call of Jeremiah teach us about God's plans?
- Why would this be a difficult time to be a prophet for the Lord?
- What does this passage teach us about God's relationship to the unborn?
- How does God equip us?
- Why is age sometimes a factor in leadership?
- Why is perseverance so important for Jeremiah?