Introduction

Beloved brothers and sisters, as we gather here today in the comforting embrace of our shared faith, we find ourselves standing at the threshold of a message that is as timeless as it is profound. Today, we turn our hearts and minds to the book of Jeremiah, a book that offers us a portrait of a prophet wrestling with his calling, a man caught in the tug-of-war between human hesitation and divine assurance.

Jeremiah, a prophet chosen before birth, a man destined to deliver a message from the Most High, finds himself in the throes of doubt. Yet, in his hesitation, we find a mirror reflecting our own struggles. How often have we hesitated when God called? How often have we questioned our ability to fulfill His purpose? This is the human condition, to question, to doubt, and yet, in the midst of this uncertainty, we find a God who assures, who strengthens, and who guides.

Hesitation of Jeremiah

The great preacher Charles Spurgeon once said, "By perseverance the snail reached the ark." This quote, though simple, carries a profound truth. Like the snail, we may often feel ill-equipped for the journey, slow in our progress, and insignificant in the grand scheme. But it is not about our ability, but our perseverance and reliance on God.

Today, we will look at Jeremiah 1:11-19. Let's read it together: "The word of the Lord came to me: 'What do you see, Jeremiah?' 'I see the branch of an almond tree,' I replied. The Lord said to me, 'You have seen correctly, for I am watching to see that my word is fulfilled.' The word of the Lord came to me again: 'What do you see?' 'I see a boiling pot, tilting away from the north,' I answered. The Lord said to me, 'From the north disaster will be poured out on all who live in the land. I am about to summon all the peoples of the northern kingdoms,' declares the Lord. 'Their kings will come and set up their thrones in the entrance of the gates of Jerusalem; they will come against all her surrounding walls and against all the towns of Judah. I will pronounce my judgments on my people because of their wickedness in forsaking me, in burning incense to other gods and in worshiping what their hands have made. Get yourself ready! Stand up and say to them whatever I command you. Do not be terrified by them, or I will terrify you before them. Today I have made you a fortified city, an iron pillar and a bronze wall to stand against the whole land—against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests and the people of the land. They will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you and will rescue you,' declares the Lord."

Heavenly Assurance

In the heart of the book of Jeremiah, we find a man wrestling with his divine calling ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO