Jeremiah, Reluctant Prophet

Today's reading takes us to Jeremiah 1:1-8 and through Jeremiah 3:5. I want to focus on the first 8 verses as I think we will see ourselves in this scripture. Often when we are confronted with the opportunity to speak up for God, we find ourselves somewhat reluctant to do so. Jeremiah's example should offer us comfort in our feelings and encouragement to speak up.

People are not puppets that God pulls strings and they lose control and do His will. Rather, God made us in His image, with the ability to choose whether to be obedient to His will or refuse His direction. This is often evident in my life as I study His word, see things that I should be doing or not doing and I continue on my merry way. (surely you are not like that also) Jeremiah did not want to follow God's call to be a prophet. Maybe he had seen the way they were treated or maybe he didn't think he was righteous enough. Whatever the reason, when God called, Jeremiah made excuses.

Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying:

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you;
Before you were born I sanctified you;
I ordained you a prophet to the nations.”

Then said I: “Ah, Lord God!
Behold, I cannot speak, for I am a youth.”

But the Lord said to me: "Do not say, ‘I am a youth,’
For you shall go to all to whom I send you,
And whatever I command you, you shall speak.
Do not be afraid of their faces,
For I am with you to deliver you,” says the Lord. (Jeremiah 1:4-8)

Jeremiah's excuse... I don't know what to say... I am too young. God speaks directly to Jeremiah and Jeremiah makes excuses. Reminds me of a few other men that God talked to... Moses and Jonah for example... oh, and me! God tells him that He knew him in the womb, that he had set him apart for service to Him before he was born. He tells Jeremiah that He selected him to be a prophet to the nations.... and Jeremiah says... "um, I don't think so". He didn't want to do it! But after hearing God's encouragement and His promises, he chose to be obedient.

God promised that He would be with him and that He would deliver him. In the face of persecution and trials, God says, "you will not be alone and I will take care of you". "I will give you the words to speak to those that I send you". Surely by now you are making the connection. You and I are Jeremiah! God knew us before we were born, His desire for us was that we would follow Him and that we would go and teach the nations. Some of us are still saying, "I am too young" or "I don't know what to say". God's call on the Christian's life is pretty clear...

Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them.  When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted.

And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. (Matthew 28: 16-20)

Just like Jeremiah, some of the apostles "doubted", but Jesus reassured them that He had all power and authority. Then He told them to go to the nations and speak the words that He had given them. They were to make disciples, baptizing them and teaching them to obey His words. And He told them that they need not be afraid because He was with them. Same God, same story, different people, different time. That is our story... God calls us to speak to the nations on His behalf, some will do it, while others will make excuses. But God says that we have no excuses, that He is with us and all of our reasons for not obeying are without merit.

What's it going to be? Are we going to recognize His work in our lives? He calls us from our "new birth" to be obedient to His will and carry out His mission. He knew you before your "new birth" and He has appointed you for good works. (Eph 2:20) Jeremiah made the right decision and obeyed God. God placed His word in his mouth and Jeremiah couldn't help but speak. God told Moses, "Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say." If God was in the business of giving His spokespersons the right words to say back then, is He different now? He has given us His word, we just have to take it in and then let it out. "For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” (Acts 4:20)