Introduction

Good morning, family! I hope you all are doing well and ready for what God has in store for us today. We're going to dive into the book of Jeremiah, specifically chapter 1, verses 4-10. We're talking about God's call to action, Jeremiah's example of empowerment, and youths taking action on their campuses.

To get us started, let me share a quote from A.W. Tozer, who once said, "God is looking for people through whom He can do the impossible. What a pity that we plan only the things we can do by ourselves."

Now, let's read together from Jeremiah 1:4-10:

"The word of the Lord came to me, saying, ‘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.’ 'Alas, Sovereign Lord,' I said, 'I do not know how to speak; I am too young.' But 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. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,' declares the Lord. Then the Lord reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, 'I have put my words in your mouth. See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.'"

God's Call to Action

In the passage we just read, we see God's call to action in the life of Jeremiah. This call wasn't a casual invitation or a mere suggestion. It was a divine mandate, a commissioning from the Creator of the universe. God's call to action is not only for prophets like Jeremiah but for all of us. Each of us has a unique purpose and mission that God has designed specifically for us.

Often unexpected: It can come at any point in our lives. For Jeremiah, it came when he was still young. He felt unprepared and inadequate, yet God chose him. This teaches us that God's call is not dependent on our qualifications or abilities. It's not about what we can do, but about what God can do through us. God doesn't call the equipped; He equips the called.

It’s personal: God told Jeremiah, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart." This shows us that God's call is not a random assignment. It's a part of His divine plan that He has known even before we were born. God knows us intimately, and His call is tailored to who we are and what He has created us to be.

Not without its challenges: Jeremiah was called to be a prophet to the nations, a task that was daunting and fraught with difficulties. Yet, God assured him, "Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you." This promise of God's presence and protection is also for us. When God calls us to action, He doesn't promise that it will be easy, but He does promise to be with us every step of the way.

It’s transformative: When God called Jeremiah, He touched his mouth and said, "I have put my words in your mouth. See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant." God's call is not just about doing something; it's about becoming someone. It's about being transformed by God and being used by Him to transform the world around us.

Not a one-time event: It's a lifelong journey of obedience and faithfulness. Jeremiah's call was not just for a moment or a season; it was for his entire life. Similarly, God's call in our lives is not just for a particular time or situation. It's a call to a life of service, a life of following God and doing His will.

It’s powerful: When God calls us to action, He empowers us to do what He has called us to do. He gives us His words, His authority, and His power. With God's call comes God's enablement. We are not left to our own devices or resources. God equips us with everything we need to fulfill His call.

Jeremiah's Example of Empowerment

When God called Jeremiah, he was just a young man, and like many of us when faced with a daunting task, Jeremiah's initial response was one of self-doubt and fear ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO