SCRIPTURE: JEREMIAH 1
INTRODUCTION:
Jeremiah was a priest called to be a prophet. At first, he was reluctant to accept God’s call. But God gave him the assurance of His presence, help and guidance. And he was faithful to God in accomplishing God’s will.
The task of Jeremiah was to confront kings, false prophets and hypocritical priests. He was called the “weeping prophet” because in his life time, he saw the decline of the nation until Judah was taken captive by the Babylonians. He also saw the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem. Jeremiah pleaded with the people to repent. He created imaginary pictures to relate his message. He wrote with expression of his feelings as he preached about the broken heart of God.
MEMORY VERSE:
“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)
“Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord.” (Jeremiah 1:8)
THE CALL OF JEREMIAH (vs. 4-19)
When the Lord appointed Jeremiah to be a prophet, Jeremiah gave this response: “Ah, Sovereign Lord, I do no know how to speak; I am only a child: (v. 6). But the Lord assured to put words in his mouth and told him not to be afraid because He will be with him.
The Lord announced his judgment on His people because of their wickedness in forsaking Him, serving other gods and worshiping idols. After king Solomon’s death, the united kingdom of Israel had split into Northern and Southern Kingdom. The Northern Kingdom was called Israel and the Southern kingdom Judah. Jeremiah was the prophet in Southern Kingdom. He prophesized for 40 years during the reign of the last five kings of Judah.
THOUGHTS:
When you are discouraged, remember that God knows you long before you were born. He thinks about you and makes plans for you. He always considers you as valuable and he has a purpose in mind for you.
As God appointed Jeremiah to be the spokesman to Israel, He also has a purpose for every Christian with specific kind of works. Whatever work is assigned to you, accept it cheerfully and do it with diligence.
Jeremiah thought that he was too young and inexperience to be God’s spokesman to the world. But God promised to be with him. Therefore, if you struggle with challenges for lack of self-confidence, you should not allow feelings of inadequacy to hinder you from obeying God. If God assigns you a job to do, He will surely provide all you need.. However, it does not mean that you will not encounter any life storms. Remember that God reassures to guide you through the storms and help you through all the agonizing problems.