Jeremiah 1: Prophet to the Nations
MAYBE IT'S BECAUSE I was in college in the sixties, but I've always wanted to do something significant with my life, to change the world. For this reason, coming into a relationship with God through Jesus Christ after my freshman year was exciting. What could be more meaningful than giving my life to God?
I've been following him for a couple of decades now. I have found it meaningful and fulfilling. But doing something significant wasn't quite what I thought it would be. Somehow I thought that making a difference would feel good and elicit loads of affirmation and appreciation from others. Well, sometimes it does and sometimes it doesn't! Jeremiah was called by God to a life of great meaning and significance. He also found lots of trouble. Why then did he do it? Read on and see.
Warming Up to God
Describe a time when you were given the opportunity to do something important. How did you feel?
Read Jeremiah 1. »
Discovering the Word
- The first three verses set the historical context. Jeremiah's ministry lasted about forty years, through one good king and then two wicked ones. From verses 1-3 alone, what do you think his ministry might have been like?
- Describe Jeremiah's call in your own words (vv. 4-10).
- How does the word of the Lord shape Jeremiah's identity (vv. 4-10)?
- Jeremiah gets practice learning to see and hear God. What two pictures is he given, and how would each help the young prophet grow in his calling (vv. 11-16)?
- Jeremiah's message will not be well received. What help does God offer him (vv. 17-19)?
Applying the Word
- God's Word shapes the identity of all who hear it. How has it shaped you?
- God addressed Jeremiah's fears of being too immature and inadequate. Are there ways that God has addressed your fears?
- How might God's promise of protection and expectation of obedience be helpful for the challenges you face?
Responding in Prayer
We are all called to witness of Christ's work. Pray that God will shape you into a servant who testifies of his work in you.
For Further Study
Jeremiah: Demanding Love by Stephen D. Eyre