Jeremiah_1
Scripture:
Jeremiah 1:5-85 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew[a] 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.
Observation:
These verses capture the calling of Jeremiah and what became a 40-year ministry.
Understanding:
Jeremiah was resistant to God’s calling. He was believed to be around 17 years old at the time of this conversation where God makes clear His calling and plan for Jeremiah. Imagine that, 17-years-old and hearing – it seems rather clearly – that you are to be a prophet over nations – “appoint[ed] over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.” (vs 10)It sounds big and bold and exciting…and maybe overwhelming? So, it makes sense that Jeremiah’s first response is one of resistance, hesitation, excuse – “I am too young.” God is not one for taking excuses though. Remember, He created us for such a time as this, with a plan and purpose in mind. So, God’s response is…5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew[a] you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”“Jeremiah was already a young man, but God wanted him to know that his call went back even further than his youth. Jeremiah existed in the mind and plan of God before he ever existed in his mother’s womb. God told Jeremiah this so that he could walk in God’s pre-ordained plan by his own will.” [https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/jeremiah-1/]With God there is no too young, too old, too smart, too dumb, too crippled, too broken/lost, too good…God is able to use us in whatever stage we are in and He is able to equip us and surround us (whether with people or resources) to accomplish whatever He has called us to do. Our role is simply to listen for the call, then go obediently towards it. God will fill in the rest.
Life Application:
Simple…listen, trust, go.“You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you.” (vs. 7)Rei