[:en]SCRIPTURE: JEREMIAH 1
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations” (Jeremiah 1:5)
“They will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you and will rescue you” declares the Lord” (Jeremiah 1:19)
INTRODUCTION:
Jeremiah was called by God to confront kings, false prophets and hypocritical priests about their wickedness. He was often in danger from political and religious leaders because they were angry about his messages. But God protected him because he wanted him to warn the wicked and comfort the righteous.
Jeremiah was a faithful prophet who accomplished God’s will. While ministry was difficult, he remained with the people and went with them in exile to Egypt. When Jesus was on earth, the people identified Him with prophet Jeremiah.
THE CALL OF JEREMIAH
God spoke to Jeremiah and appointed him as a prophet to the nations. Jeremiah responded by saying: “I do not know how to speak. I am only a child”(v. 6). But the Lord said to him: “Do not say I am only a child. 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” (vs. 7-8). God touched his mouth and put His words in his mouth. He commissioned him to uproot, to tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant (v. 10). then He told Jeremiah to see that His word is fulfilled.
WHAT DID JEREMIAH SEE?
- The branch of an almond tree (v. 11) – In Hebrew, “almond” and “watch” are similar. God watches His Word to perform what He says.
- A boiling pot tilting away from the north (v. 13) – God will summon all the peoples of the northern kingdom to surround the entrance of the gates and walls and set up their thorns in Jerusalem. He is going to pronounce judgment of wickedness and idolatry.
God told Jeremiah to get ready and confront the king of Judah, its officials, its priests, and the people of the land. The Lord assured Jeremiah to be with him and to rescue him (v. 19)
The call of God goes together with the touch of God. When He called Jeremiah, He touched his mouth to give him power. When God called Isaiah, He touched his lips to give him purity.
God also touched Jacob’s hip to bless him. He touched Daniel to give him strength to open his mouth for ministry. God commissioned Ananias to touch Paul to restore his sight.
When God calls you to do a task for Him, do not worry about your adequacy. It is your availability that counts. When God calls you, He will also touch you and equip you.
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