Called by God: Jeremiah
As a teenager, when my daughter was mad she’d storm off to her room and slam the door shut. Finally, I sat her down and told her that it was okay to be angry, but it was not all right to slam the door. Of course, she continued to do it. So I sat her down again, and this time I told her that the next time she slammed the door, I would remove the hinges and take the door away.
Not surprisingly, she tested me and slammed the door one more time. I removed the door. She couldn’t believe it, and begged me to put it back, but I stood firm. Teenage girls highly value their privacy, so after a week she came to me, apologized, and promised not slam the door anymore. I forgave her, we hugged, and I put the door back. She never slammed it again.
Background
The story is analogy for the recurring behavior of Israel in the Old Testament. Israel would sin and God would send a prophet with a warning. Israel would ignore the warning and God would discipline His people. Eventually, the people would repent and God would restore and renew their relationship with Him.
This pattern is exactly what happened during Jeremiah’s era. Jeremiah warned of impending judgment unless Israel repented of its sin. They ignored the warning and faced the consequences. The Babylonians conquered them, destroyed Jerusalem, and brought the people back with them to Babylon.
Jeremiah experienced considerable persecution – attacked by his own brothers; beaten and put into the stocks; threatened with death; thrown into a hole in the ground; opposed by a false prophet; and imprisoned by the king. Eventually, after the sacking of Jerusalem, the Babylonians freed Jeremiah from prison and treated him well.
Calling
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. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord.1
| GO | Command | Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you to be a prophet to the nations2 |
| TO | To benefit others | To everyone I send you to |
| DO | Take action | Say whatever I command you |
| SO | God’s plan | From the north disaster will be poured out on all who live in the land.3 |
| LO | God’s Presence | “Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you.” |
Response
Reluctant obedience – made two excuses:
- “I don’t have the gifts and abilities.”
- “I am young and inexperienced.”
Meaning
- God calls some people at birth.
- God calls you to a specific task.
- God calls you to a specific message.
- God will permit you to ask questions to clarify your calling.
- God’s calling often includes: “Do not fear” and “I will be with you.”
- Others will oppose and resist you in your calling.
Summary:
Jeremiah was the “prophet of doom.” He also was known as the “weeping prophet” because he wept over the coming destruction.
Prayer
“Lord, what an awesome thing to be called by You to do anything on Your behalf. Thank You that You not only work in me, but through me. Amen.”
1. Jeremiah 1:7-8
2. Jeremiah 1:5
3. Jeremiah 1:14
© 2013 Designed to Serve®
Dr. Steve Lake is a retired educator with over 30 years experience in the American public schools. He has served in a variety of position, including teacher, elementary school principal, junior high principal, Associate Superintendent, retired from public education as Superintendent of Schools in Lincolnwood, IL. He has his Bachelors, Masters and Doctor of Education degrees from Northern Illinois University. For the past 25 years Steve has attended and been a member of Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington and Northfield, IL. At Willow Creek Steve has taught adult classes on spiritual gifts, life purpose, and spiritual disciplines. He has ministered overseas in Angola, Zambia, Honduras, Germany, and Russia. Steve is co-founder of Designed to Serve, a ministry that equips Christians to live out their unique God-given calling. Steve is married and has two adult children who are married.
