Chosen and Called
Opening Prayer
Father, I want to understand Your heart and reflect You to the world. Help me hear You through Your Word.
Read Jeremiah 1:1-19
[1] The words of Jeremiah son of Hilkiah, one of the priests at Anathoth in the territory of Benjamin. [2] The word of the LORD came to him in the thirteenth year of the reign of Josiah son of Amon king of Judah, [3] and through the reign of Jehoiakim son of Josiah king of Judah, down to the fifth month of the eleventh year of Zedekiah son of Josiah king of Judah, when the people of Jerusalem went into exile. [4] The word of the LORD came to me, saying, [5] “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” [6] “Alas, Sovereign LORD,” I said, “I do not know how to speak; I am too young.” [7] But the LORD said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. [8] Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the LORD. [9] Then the LORD reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, “I have put my words in your mouth. [10] See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.” [11] The word of the LORD came to me: “What do you see, Jeremiah?” “I see the branch of an almond tree,” I replied. [12] The LORD said to me, “You have seen correctly, for I am watching to see that my word is fulfilled.” [13] The word of the LORD came to me again: “What do you see?” “I see a pot that is boiling,” I answered. “It is tilting toward us from the north.” [14] The LORD said to me, “From the north disaster will be poured out on all who live in the land. [15] I am about to summon all the peoples of the northern kingdoms,” declares the LORD. “Their kings will come and set up their thrones in the entrance of the gates of Jerusalem; they will come against all her surrounding walls and against all the towns of Judah. [16] I will pronounce my judgments on my people because of their wickedness in forsaking me, in burning incense to other gods and in worshiping what their hands have made. [17] “Get yourself ready! Stand up and say to them whatever I command you. Do not be terrified by them, or I will terrify you before them. [18] Today I have made you a fortified city, an iron pillar and a bronze wall to stand against the whole land-against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests and the people of the land. [19] They will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the LORD. Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
What objections does Jeremiah raise when God calls him?Jeremiah’s call echoes that of other biblical characters, yet displays its own unique features. We are reminded of the excuses made by Moses (Exod. 4:10) who, like Jeremiah, claimed to be an inexperienced speaker. But Jeremiah also claims his youth is against him–though Paul tells us to let no one look down on us because of our age (1 Tim. 4:12). In dealing with Jeremiah’s objections, God makes use of visual imagery and word play (11-14). Strangely–even depressingly–at the very moment he receives his divine call, Jeremiah is told that both he and his message will be rejected (19). God’s Word, however, will still prevail. In his missionary task Jeremiah is not promised immunity; neither are we. But both he and we are promised God’s presence and power (18,19; see also Rev. 17:14). Jeremiah is to dress for action
(17; see also Luke 12:35; 1 Pet. 1:13). We are not always called to success, but we are always called to faithfulness. Sometimes, and especially when the church is under fire or in “exile,” God’s victory is seen simply in being able to stand our ground (see 1 Cor. 10:13; Eph. 6:13) and remain faithful.
Apply
Consider your objections to full obedience. Bring these to God and ask him to help you to say yes in all things.
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