God spoke to Jeremiah (Jeremiah 1) when he was probably 16-18 yrs. of age. This was his formal “calling to be prophet. He would serve as prophet for over 40 yrs. His service would be marked as “unsuccessful” from the human point of view. He had no converts except his Scribe and a servant. No one wanted to hear his message of judgement. They wanted to hear a positive message like the false prophets were doing. Jeremiah would not do that. He would be faithful to the lord. He suffered a lot and possibly martyred (either stoned or cut in half according to Heb. 11:37).
His calling or setting apart for his ministry came before he was born. God Knew him before he was formed in the womb. He appointed him a prophet
Though we are not called to be prophets, believers in Jesus were also chosen before the foundation the world (Eph. 1:4-6) to be His to be his ambassadors (2 Cor. 5:20). We tell others about Him, his message of salvation, his Good News. We are called for this regardless of what we think of ourselves, or others think.
It is noteworthy that it says God formed him in the womb. He also made each of us in our mother’s womb. Hard to believe? God is not limited by our thoughts of Him. He declares it and it is so. I’m grateful He formed me.
“Lord, help me be faithful to your calling. That I would never give up until I carry int what called me for.”
Jeremiah’s Excuses
Jeremiah responds to God’s calling with the fact that he is a youth, and he didn’t have experience speaking in public. God tells him to obey and say what He told Him to say. That simple! He would be with him and would put His words in his mouth. A proof is given by the touching of his mouth. His mouth was now set apart (consecrated) for God. Jeremiah’s words (coming from God) would be against nations and kingdoms, His words would not be popular. It would stir trouble for Jeremiah. But God would be watching all, carrying out his judgement over Judah. Judah had done great evil by forsaking God and worshipping other gods. Judgement would come through Babylon that would conquer Judah. It would be a brutal take over.
Jeremiah would tell them that, but they wouldn’t believe him. God tells Jeremiah to get going and not be discouraged. He would make him an “iron pillar, and bronze walls against the whole land, against the Kings of Judah, it’s officials, its priests, and the people of the land.”(v. 18). One man against nations. They will fight against him but would not prevail against him. Why? God says, “for I am with you” and He would save him.
Some applications for us:
- God watches all that happens in our lives. Nothing escapes Him, we are under His care.
- God has given us a calling, a task to do for Him. It may be life-long.
- God will give us what we need (His words)
- God will be with us regardless of what happens.
- He will never leave is or forsake us. Matt. 28:20
