Week 10 (The Prophets) – Day 2: Jeremiah’s Call & Message

Day 47 – Jeremiah’s Call & Message – Jeremiah 1:1-3:5

Today has a mix of familiar and unfamiliar.  Some may know the story of Jeremiah’s call at the beginning of chapter 1.  But few have probably read chapter 2 with its very difficult message of the Lord, spoken to the people through Jeremiah. 

The first part of the reading is typical of the call of prophets.  This shows Jeremiah’s authority is not his own, but from God.  It also shows an ongoing truth about serving God in these roles: the sign of one truly chosen involves resistance to God.  Those jumping into something without thought and discernment often are the first ones to fall away when inevitable resistance is faced.  What is God calling you to do?  The more you are struggling with this, the more likely it truly is God calling you to do it.  Pray over your call from God.

The later half of chapter 1 gives the assurance that God is with us in what has been chosen for us.  They will fight against you; but they shall not prevail against you, for I am with you, says the Lord, to deliver you. (Jer 1:19)  How does this give you courage to do what God is calling you to do?

God’s promise to Jeremiah is important because the message Jeremiah is called to deliver is tough.  The sexual imagery used to depict the chosen people’s relationship with God is very shocking.  If Chapter 2 is Jeremiah’s “candidating” sermon to the “congregation” of Jerusalem, he certainly could expect ill treatment!  The next time you think a sermon is harsh, remember Jeremiah 2.   Are we open to hearing all of God’s word’s spoken to us?

 

In Christ,

Randy