The Call (2)

Before I Formed You

English Standard Version Chapter 1

4 Now the word of the LORD came to me, saying,

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

and before you were born I consecrated you;

I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”

Jeremiah receives a word from God telling him he had been formed by God. The message here is really a notification that Jeremiah needs to understand that he will be used in mighty ways. It shows well how the prophetic mission was not sought by the person to whom it came. Rather, God chose the person for his purpose. His will, once revealed, required that Jeremiah yield himself wholly to it. His whole life would be affected by it deeply.

J. Gordon McConville, “Jeremiah,” in New Bible Commentary: 21st Century Edition, ed. D. A. Carson et al., 4th ed. (Leicester, England; Downers Grove, IL: Inter-Varsity Press, 1994), 675.

Jeremiah’s response is less than what God would want it to be, but not unusual. 6 Then I said, “Ah, Lord GOD! Behold, I do not know how to speak, for I am only a youth.” 7 But the LORD said to me,

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Je 1:6–7. But Moses said to the LORD, “O my Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor even now that you have spoken to your servant; but I am slow of speech and slow of tongue.”

The Holy Bible: New Revised Standard Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1989), Ex 4:10. Are you answering God’s call in your life or are you making excuses? Then the LORD said to him, “Who gives speech to mortals? Who makes them mute or deaf, seeing or blind? Is it not I, the LORD? Now go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you are to speak

The Holy Bible: New Revised Standard Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1989), Ex 4:11–12. What does Jeremiah say to God in response? I do not know how to speak, for I am only a youth.”

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Je 1:6. Has God encouraged you to believe in Him and His powers? Listen to God’s answer to Jeremiah.

“Do not say, ‘I am only a youth’;

for to all to whom I send you, you shall go,

and whatever I command you, you shall speak.

8  Do not be afraid of them,

for I am with you to deliver you,

declares the LORD.”

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Je 1:7–8. Now in Jeremiah’s defense the culture of the day was a value to the older more experienced adults. Jeremiah might have been twenty at this time and must have felt too young to have great wisdom. Remember what the scripture said to Jeremiah in the beginning of this lesson. “Before I formed you” God seems to have anticipated Jeremiah’s response. The word to Jeremiah not only reassured the prophet but also validated his ministry among the people. In this sense it comes to all (not just ministers or other church officials) who feel their inability to perform what they know God has called them to. It warns church people generally against being superficial in assessing the gifts and ministries of others.

J. Gordon McConville, “Jeremiah,” in New Bible Commentary: 21st Century Edition, ed. D. A. Carson et al., 4th ed. (Leicester, England; Downers Grove, IL: Inter-Varsity Press, 1994), 675.

Jeremiah receives a sign that must have given him courage.

9 Then the LORD put out his hand and touched my mouth. And the LORD said to me,

“Behold, I have put my words in your mouth.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Je 1:9. Notice that Jeremiah is revealing to the people he has been called to how God has given these things to him. Reminds me of how Jesus later tells us that the message is not his but the one who sent him.

The Boy Jesus in the Temple

41 Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. 42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom. 43 And when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it, 44 but supposing him to be in the group they went a day’s journey, but then they began to search for him among their relatives and acquaintances, 45 and when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, searching for him. 46 After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47 And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48 And when his parents saw him, they were astonished. And his mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been searching for you in great distress.” 49 And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” 50 And they did not understand the saying that he spoke to them. 51 And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was submissive to them. And his mother treasured up all these things in her heart.

52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Lk 2:41–52. Jesus was twelve years old. He would not have had the respect of the adults and yet He spoke with authority and His message was one his father had sent him to speak of.

Remember God has called you and he will supply your needs.

“Behold, I have put my words in your mouth.

10  See, I have set you this day over nations and over kingdoms,

to pluck up and to break down,

to destroy and to overthrow,

to build and to plant.”

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Je 1:9–10.