The Lord Chooses Jeremiah

Jeremiah 1:1–10
» View this passage in NIV (Bible Gateway)

The book opens with a statement of where God “found” Jeremiah (among the priests), and what he made of him (a prophet unto the nations). Here Jeremiah was born, son of the priest Hilkiah. Anathoth, a town about three miles northeast of Jerusalem was assigned to and inhabited by priests (Josh. 21:13-19). It was here that Jeremiah was born and grew up (vv. 1-3).

Far more important than learning what task he must accomplish, Jeremiah needed to know with assurance the person who was commissioning him. God had known Jeremiah’s role before he was born, had caused him to be born and had separated him for a holy service. How could Jeremiah possibly avoid this moment of truth (vv. 4-5).

Jeremiah responded to God’s appointment with a measure of self-doubt (v. 6). Often people struggle with new challenges because they lack self-confidence. He said that he did not know how to speak. He does not plead inability like Moses (Ex. 4:10), but rather from the point of inexperience. The task would be difficult but since the prophet was called by God he would have divine enablement (vv. 6-8). God promised to deliver Jeremiah from trouble, not to keep trouble from coming to him. God does not keep us from encountering life’s storms but He will see us through. He was not only called to the task but he was empowered (vv. 9-10).

Application

When God asks me to do something it is easy for me to say, “I can’t do it”, “I don’t have the ability, training or experience.” I just need to remember, if God gives me a job to do, He will provide all I need to do it.