Jeremiah 1: God Calls & Commissions Jeremiah

Introduction: Jeremiah 1 introduces us to the prophet Jeremiah and his calling from God. It is a chapter filled with themes of divine purpose, the sovereignty of God, and the importance of obedience to His call. Jeremiah’s life and ministry serve as a reminder that God has a plan for each of us and that He will equip us to fulfill that plan, just as He did for Jeremiah. This chapter sets the stage for the rest of the book of Jeremiah, which is a collection of the prophet’s messages to the people of Judah and Jerusalem.

I. Jeremiah’s calling and commission (Jeremiah 1:1-10)
The chapter begins with the introduction of Jeremiah, the son of Hilkiah, a priest from Anathoth. God calls Jeremiah to be a prophet to the nations, and Jeremiah expresses his feelings of inadequacy. However, God assures Jeremiah that He has appointed him for this purpose before he was even born (Jeremiah 1:5). God touches Jeremiah’s mouth and gives him the words to speak (Jeremiah 1:9). This section is reminiscent of Isaiah’s calling in Isaiah 6:5-7, where Isaiah also felt unworthy but was commissioned by God. Additionally, Psalm 139:16 speaks of God’s sovereignty in forming us and knowing our days before we are born, echoing the theme of divine purpose in Jeremiah’s calling.

II. The visions of the almond branch and boiling pot (Jeremiah 1:11-16)
God gives Jeremiah two visions to illustrate the message he is to deliver. The first is of an almond branch, which symbolizes God’s watchfulness and the fulfillment of His word (Jeremiah 1:11-12). The second vision is of a boiling pot tilting from the north, symbolizing the impending invasion and destruction from Babylon (Jeremiah 1:13-16). These visions are similar to the visions given to Ezekiel in Ezekiel 1, where he sees the glory of God and the coming judgment. Amos 8:1-2 also speaks of a vision of ripe fruit, indicating the time of judgment is near.

III. God’s promise of protection and strength for Jeremiah (Jeremiah 1:17-19)
As Jeremiah faces the daunting task ahead, God promises to be with him and to protect him from harm (Jeremiah 1:17-19). God encourages Jeremiah to be strong and not to fear, as He will deliver him from his enemies. This promise is echoed in other parts of the Bible, such as Joshua 1:9, where God tells Joshua to be strong and courageous, and Psalm 46:1, which declares God as our refuge and strength. These verses remind us that when God calls us to a task, He will also provide the strength and protection we need to carry it out.

Conclusion: Jeremiah 1 is a chapter that speaks to the heart of anyone who has ever felt called by God to a task that seems too great. It reminds us that God has a purpose for each of us and that He will equip us to fulfill that purpose. Jeremiah’s calling and commission, the visions he receives, and God’s promise of protection and strength all serve as powerful reminders that we are not alone in our calling. God is with us, and He will see us through. As we reflect on this chapter, let us be inspired to embrace our own calling with confidence, knowing that God is watching over us and will give us the strength we need to accomplish His will.