The Call of Jeremiah
Open Your Bible
Jeremiah 1:1-19, Jeremiah 2:1-37, Jeremiah 3:1-5, Isaiah 6:4-7, 1 Peter 1:21
BY Bailey Gillespie
Jodi was one of those fortunate people who knew exactly what she wanted to be when she grew up. Her goal was a beautiful one: to be a clinical dietitian who could bring nutritional education to people in impoverished cultures. Have you known someone like that? I love and admire those people, but I’m definitely not one of them. Besides a love of spending time outdoors, I never had a clear vision for my life and was a bit paralyzed throughout college, not knowing what career path to choose or direction to take. The world held seemingly endless possibilities, but this only crippled me in the decision-making process.
Jeremiah’s calling was clearly and specifically communicated to him. Scripture tells us that long before he was even born, God intended to use him as His prophetic instrument. “I chose you before I formed you in the womb,” God declared. “I set you apart before you were born” (Jeremiah 1:5). Commanded to warn the people of Judah against apostasy, Jeremiah received instructions for his calling very early on in life—a clear purpose with detailed words from the Lord for the salvation and flourishing of a specific people.
Even so, Jeremiah protested, saying, “Oh no, Lord God! Look, I don’t know how to speak since I am only a youth” (v.6). Wouldn’t we react the same way? Imagine how intimidating it must’ve been to be chosen as God’s mouthpiece for the purpose of declaring judgment and punishment on the sins of the nations. Not only was the job description itself daunting, but the guy delivering it was still really young and without much life experience. But God reassured Jeremiah again and again that He would be there to rescue him (vv.7–8, 19).
As comforting as God’s reassurance must have been, the call to be His prophet was in no way an easy job for Jeremiah. On the other hand, what a blessing and relief to have God specifically communicate His calling for you at such a young age. Jeremiah knew what it would look like to obey God’s will. Now he just had to walk in it.
What about you? Where do you find comfort in the story of Jeremiah’s calling?
God chooses all of our callings. Designing us to carry out a unique purpose at a specific time and place, He equips us with gifts to help bring restoration to the world (Hebrews 13:21). How exciting is that? Even when we shudder in our boots a little, like Jeremiah did, we can rest assured knowing that He who calls is with us.
151 thoughts on "The Call of Jeremiah"
-
Today’s reading brought so much emotion out of me. I felt as if I were in Gods place, watching my dearly loved children walk the complete opposite direction from where I was. I felt His confusion, His sorrow, His tears as they fell from his face.
How could they??? How could they walk away from the very God who delivered them, loved them and set them apart?Wait, how could I?
How could I walk away from a God who created me, chose me, and set me apart? How could I beg my God for an answer, healing or blessing and then the second I receive what I asked for, turn away until I needed him again?Grace is really coming into perspective for me today. Thank you, God for your grace upon grace upon grace.
-
What a beautiful perspective. Amen and amen, Moriah! Thank you for sharing. Being a mama does make me feel so much more the grace and love the Father has towards us as his chicken. ❤️
-
Exactly what I felt too. These verses really convicted me today. Thanks for sharing ❤️
13for my people have committed two evils:
they have forsaken me,
the fountain of living waters,
and hewed out cisterns for themselves,
broken cisterns that can hold no water.
-
-
What a good reading !!
-
Thankful for the truth that God does not call me to do something and then abandon me to do it of my own ability. He is ALWAYS with me.
-
My dad passed away last May at 56 after having dementia. He was in and out of the hospital and was always a “fall risk” patient. It still doesn’t feel real! He was so loving, smart, and fun! My calling now has me in a job arriving international nurses to U.S. hospitals. It’s neat, but the hospital visits are much more painful reminders than I ever expected! I see sick people and have so many flashbacks whenever I go in one. I’m grateful that God promises not to leave me!
-
Love this Mari, thanks for sharing
-
“What fault did your fathers find in me
that they went so far from me,
followed worthless idols,
and became worthless themselves?”
How very convicting and eye opening. The many times I have strayed/wandered in my walk with the Lord…and it all boils down to me “finding fault with Him”. I never looked at it that way, but that is it in its most basic form – I “find fault” with God -find other things a better use of my time or more of a priority – and change my focus and stray. And anything I put ahead of God, no matter how good it may seem, is still an idol. I am thankful for the truth of His Word to me today. God is good all the time.-
Wow, I never thought of this that way. Very eye opening for me too! I stray from my walk and at times I feel like I’ve been abandoned by God but, I never thought it’s me subconsciously or even consciously acting and thinking God is at fault. When it’s my wandering and continuing to think I can be fulfilled by other things or idols that causes this separation from him. Such a beautiful reminder that we need Jesus, he chose us, and is always and forever with us: Thanks for sharing your insight!
-
-
The call to love god as our one and only is so clear. I must trust that the plan for me starts when i listen to god. Clear acceptanc and gratitude must. Ome first
-
I have been in a season of change now for sometime. The Lord in his graciousness and mercy seems to be preparing me for something new. His promise to Jeremiah—dont worry, I know what is coming and I’ve got your back. Trust me — is so encouraging. He’s leading me forward. So I’m just going to trust Him. Praying for faith to do just that!!
Post Comments (151)