Jeremiah 1:4-11

The Call of Jeremiah 4The word of the LORD came to me, saying,

5“Before I formed you in the womb I knew Or chose you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”

6“Alas, Sovereign LORD,” I said, “I do not know how to speak; I am too young.” 7But 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.

8Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the LORD . 9Then the LORD reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, “I have put my words in your mouth.

10See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.”

11The word of the LORD came to me: “What do you see, Jeremiah?” “I see the branch of an almond tree,” I replied.