Just a boy

Jeremiah 1:1-10 click here for the reading

Jeremiah was called to be a prophet for God, to speak God's words into the lives of God's people.  But here is the thing, Jeremiah was a young boy AND the words he is about to speak are not real comforting.

Have you ever doubted if you were old enough? Young enough? Smart enough? Good enough? Qualified enough? etc. etc. etc.?

Jeremiah is a young boy (think 12-14 years of age) being called to speak God's wisdom to God's people (that will be a post later his week). 

Here is the thing though, God doesn't worry about Jeremiah's age because God has been at work in his life before he was even formed in the womb!  God provides (AGAIN!) God's presence for the people God calls to do God's work! 

Reading this story again for the first time, Jeremiah insists his disqualification is his age, not his ability, not his wisdom, not his gender, not his gifts, not his social status but his age.  This might be more a projection about his fear in how he will be received by others than himself.

God again uplifts the calling rather than the person called.  God continues the pattern of calling ordinary people to do extra ordinary things because it will be through them that God accomplishes God's desires for God's people. "Have no fear of the people, for I will be with you." God's promise of presence cannot be underestimated....again!

When is it that you have ever diminished being called to do something? What was it that you claimed as your disqualification?

Lord, you have called each of us to your service, help us accomplish what you have in mind regardless of what we think disqualifies us from doing it.