1 The words of Jeremiah son of Hilkiah, one of the priests at Anathoth in the territory of Benjamin. 2 The word of the Lord came to him in the thirteenth year of the reign of Josiah son of Amon king of Judah, 3 and through the reign of Jehoiakim son of Josiah king of Judah, down to the fifth month of the eleventh year of Zedekiah son of Josiah king of Judah, when the people of Jerusalem went into exile. The Call of Jeremiah 4 The word of the Lord came to me, saying,5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew[a] you,
before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”6 “Alas, Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I do not know how to speak; I am too young.”7 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. 8 Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord. 9 Then the Lord reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, “I have put my words in your mouth. 10 See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.”
Jeremiah 1:1-10
Q & A：
- Why does God grab our attention? How do you normally react when God calls you to step up into the unknown or unfamiliar territory? (2 Chron 16:9a; Jer 31:32-34)
- How did God assure Jeremiah when He calls? How has God assured you of His love and care by equipping you with His promises when He calls you to ministry, or be His light and salt in the marketplace, families, or communities? (Eph 1:5; Jer 1:5; Jer 1:18-19)
- From the two different responses from Jeremiah and Jonah when God calls, what lessons have you learnt to help you flow along with God’s plan? How do you keep the fire burning in your heart and not let the struggles or problems overwhelm you to quit? (Jer 1:1-12)