Called by God... A Supreme Gift (Jeremiah 1-7)
“Who, me?” Ever asked that question about yourself?
“Who, him?” Or maybe you thought that about a pastor….
Those called by God may even shock you! But thank goodness His sovereignty reigns supreme in whom He calls because He knows their hearts and their future.
It’s never too late to start!
Download your first two weeks free by signing up below (or buy Book One of the Family Bible Plan)!
“Who, me?” Ever asked that question about yourself?
“Who, him?” Or maybe you thought that about a pastor….
Those called by God may even shock you! But thank goodness His sovereignty reigns supreme in whom He calls because He knows their hearts and their future.
It’s never too late to start!
Download your first two weeks free by signing up below (or buy Book One of the Family Bible Plan)!
Age has no bearing...
One of the first things to learn about Jeremiah is that God can use anyone.
We hear about David who was a teenager when God empowered him with boldness to overthrow Goliath. Or some of the kings who were even younger.
But to hear about a prophet as instrumental in Israel’s history to receive a calling in his teenage years (most historians believe he was around age 17) is something to take note of.
We can read this book now in light of his situation:
- he was a teenager,
- told by God not to marry or have a family,
- was often overwhelmed by emotions,
- wore his emotions on his sleeve,
- was insecure about his current abilities when first called by God,
- etc.
Insecurities when called by God...
In Isaiah 6, in the presence of God and angels Isaiah immediately understood God’s holiness and his own wretched state.
He proved this when right after as he jumped at the chance when called by God.
Back in Exodus, Moses had a reaction oddly similar to Jeremiah’s.
- Neither man was confident in their abilities.
- Neither thought they were the right person for the job.
- Both questioned God’s choice.
He knows...
When Jeremiah was called by God, it was confirmed from the start that God knew everything about him and had specifically chosen him for this mission.
Jeremiah’s insecurities bubbled up fast to the surface and he shared his heart of perceived inabilities.
God did not get angry with him (or with Moses), but re-confirmed He had chosen the right man for the job.
With Moses, God graciously offered up Aaron as his speaker. As we read through Exodus, it walks us through the baby steps Moses took to start speaking boldly on his own accord. God trained him to be a speaker.
Here, God denies Jeremiah’s claim as erroneous and follows it up with a reaffirmation that He would be with him and rescue him.
Natural Abilities...
Have you taken an enneagram or personality test? Then you know a bit more about the intricacies of who God designed you to be.
HOWEVER, these tests can often be the very same type of excuse that we give God when He calls us to something.
While it can absolutely be a good thing to know how your personality works, it can be just as detrimental to your faith if you limit your calling to the results of a test.
Yes, do things that you are good at and serve where your natural abilities lead you to serve. But be careful to not stifle God’s amazing gift to grow your faith through a calling you never thought matched your personality.
Similar to Isaiah, the Bible notes that Jeremiah’s mouth was touched. God provided the words and the courage to speak for both of them.
A lonely journey...
A young adult now called by God to bring a harsh truth to his neighbors and friends. Think he was well-liked, calling out hypocrisy and wickedness?
Jeremiah led a lonely life with few friends, no marital companionship, or kids to raise.
He was called to lead a lonely life.
When you consider your own life, your friendships, relationships, families, etc. Think about your personal desires to be liked by those around you.
Jeremiah had next to none of that, and continually trodded on through the muck to say ‘Yes’ to God. How inspiring is that for us today, standing up for truth in a dark world that will hate us merely for loving God.
It wasn’t just that he lead a lonely life though, it was that God had filled him with indignation over the sins of Judah. Indignation means a strong displeasure at something considered unjust, offensive, insulting, or base… a righteous anger. Think about how he would come across in a first world country today. He would likely be called arrogant, rude, or uptight. Yet, God knew he would be lonely and not liked.
Will you say ‘Yes’ to the calling by God on your life? No matter the consequences?
Do you live for HIS glory?
A motto that should fast to every area in our lives… why not grab a daily reminder to boast for Whom we live to please?
Soli deo Gloria!
Why?
At this point, we may ask why Jeremiah kept living his one life in this way.
Simple.
He understood to a greater degree the power and holiness of our God, that we are but mere breaths on this earth here to give glory to God, and that our true home is in eternity.
What is your ‘why’ driving your faith? Perhaps it’s time to live up to your calling by God… to truly live 100% for Him!
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So inspiring. Thank you.
Thank you for sharing this blessed message Becca.
So won’t that God both calls AND equips!
I always feel such kinship with Jeremiah.