The Call Of Jeremiah Series

In history we find those prominent figures who are considered men and women of destiny. In the Bible we find those who are men and women of destiny. We will look at one such man of destiny, the prophet Jeremiah. He was called in a day of crises.

The call to serve God is different in many cases, but there is a common element in the call. It gives the individual a sense of destiny and purpose. Not only is God’s call different to each individual, but each called man and woman of God responds differently.

Some who are called give resistance to their call. That is the case with Moses, Gideon, and Jeremiah. It was important that Jeremiah had a sense of call because of the tremendous difficulty he would face living out his call of God. At every stage of his suffering for following what God instructed him to do he knew he was under a divine mandate.

Let’s compare the calling of Jeremiah (Jeremiah 1:1-19), with the call of two other major prophets, Ezekiel (Ezekiel 1:1-2:9) and Isaiah (Isaiah 6:1-13).

Regarding a glorious heavenly vision:

For Ezekiel the heavens were opened, and he saw visions of God. The Word of the Lord came expressly to Ezekiel the priest. The call came with a storm wind from the north. There were flashing lights and something like glowing metal. There were fantastic figures representing four living beings each with four faces and four wings. There was a throne with fire and the appearance of a man surrounded by radiance which was the glory of the Lord.

For Isaiah

The Lord was seated on His throne lofty and exalted with Seraphim above the Lord each with six wings. These Seraphim crying out Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord of hosts. The burning coal was touched to the lips of Isaiah. The Lord asked who shall I send and who will go.

Jeremiah’s call was not as outwardly manifested. It was simply the Word of the Lord came to him. For Jeremiah it was his destiny that was emphasized. Before he was formed in the womb the Lord had this plan for him. That Jeremiah was appointed a prophet to the nations. Jeremiah is not to be afraid because the Lord will deliver him. He is to go everywhere the Lord commands and speak everything the Lord will say.

Called to:

Ezekiel: to a rebellious people.

Isaiah: an insensitive people

Jeremiah: I have appointed you as a prophet to the nations. The hand of the Lord touches the lips of Jeremiah.

Then the Lord stretched out His hand and touched my mouth, and the Lord said to me, Behold, I have put My words in your mouth. (Jeremiah 1:9)

See, I have appointed you this day over the nations and over the kingdoms,

To root out and to tear down,

To destroy and to overthrow,

To build and to plant.” (Jeremiah 1:10)

The differing response:

Ezekiel was filled with a sense of awe and fell on his face.

Isaiah: Here am I send me. He asked how long?

Jeremiah, I do not know how to speak. I am too young.

God has this call for Jeremiah even before his conception.

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,

And before you were born I consecrated you;

I have appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” (Jeremiah 1:5)

Jeremiah was from a priestly family. His father was a priest. This call for Jeremiah is very different. Instead of a priest Jeremiah is called to be a prophet. The calling of priest was passed along on the family. Jeremiah should have been a priest, but God appointed him as a prophet.

The call of God was revealed to Jeremiah while he was still very young. Jeremiah said I am a youth or some versions, I am only a child. Jeremiah was probably between 19-25 years old when he was called. If he would be a priest as he had planned those duties would not start for him until the age of thirty.

Then I said, “Oh, Lord GOD!

Behold, I do not know how to speak,

Because I am a youth.”

7 But the LORD said to me,

“Do not say, ‘I am a youth,’

Because everywhere I send you, you shall go, (Jeremiah 1:6-7)

Jeremiah was to proclaim a message of judgement, but also Jeremiah would declare a message of salvation.

Jeremiah’s message would prepare the people for God’s new work.

Jeremiah was reluctant to God’s call of prophet and God had a response for Jeremiah’s reluctance. I send you. I command you to speak. I am with you. I will rescue you.

Jeremiah had to decide to believe and trust God. You may see your life as one that has a purpose or a plan of God. I hope so because God does have a purpose and plan for you if you will listen to God. He still calls and uses ordinary people who feel inadequate. God still expects obedience.