SESSION 1
JEREMIAH 1:4-19
MEMORY VERSE: JEREMIAH 1:4
Preparation, or the lack thereof, has an impact on whether we will be successful when undertaking an endeavor. The more important the task, the more we will prepare for it. A pre-med student trying to get into medical school will spend more time in preparation for that exam than for a daily quiz in a freshman English class. Since God desires to make Himself known to all the nations through His people, He takes special care in preparing them for this vital mission.
(In PSG, p. 10)
Josiah reigned as Judah’s last good king from 640–609 BC. He was just eight years old when he took the throne, but he chose to serve the Lord fully (2 Chron. 34:3). He instituted many spiritual reforms, including destroying pagan worship sites (2 Chron. 34:3-7).
Meanwhile to the east, Nabopolassar had proclaimed himself king of Babylon around 626 BC. Assyria eventually fell in 612 BC, and under Nabopolassar’s son Nebuchadnezzar, Babylon would become the new leader in the ancient world. The Northern Kingdom of Israel already had fallen to Assyria in 721 BC, and Judah’s citizens likely wondered what kind of future Judah and Jerusalem might experience. Should they side with Babylon, side with Egypt, side with other smaller nations, or trust in God for protection?
About the same time Nabopolassar became king, God called Jeremiah to represent Him as a prophet. In fact, the Lord told Jeremiah He had chosen him for this role prior to Jeremiah’s birth (Jer. 1:5). Jeremiah protested, saying he was too young and inexperienced for the job (1:6). However, God reassured Jeremiah and promised to be with him (1:7-8).
The Lord symbolically touched Jeremiah’s mouth, putting His words there and confirming Jeremiah’s appointment (1:9-10). He also showed Jeremiah two visions that reinforced his call (1:11-16). God indeed would establish His Word, and Judah would experience God’s judgment for all the evil it had done.
Finally, God encouraged Jeremiah to stand strong in the face of opposition (1:17). He should not fear the people, for God had made him like a fortified city (1:18). Judah’s citizens might oppose Jeremiah, but they never would prevail over him because God was with him (1:19).
EXPLORE THE TEXT
4 The word of the LORD came to me:
God took Jeremiah’s life in a direction the prophet certainly had not expected. Jeremiah lived among priests in the village of Anathoth, about three miles northeast of Jerusalem in the tribe of Benjamin (1:1). However, as far as we know, Jeremiah never became a priest. God had prepared a different role for him.
When God called Jeremiah, the mighty Assyrian empire was declining. When Nabopolassar established himself as king of Babylon in 626 BC, the power in the ancient world began shifting. Nabopolassar’s son Nebuchadnezzar II assumed the throne in 605 BC and established the Babylonian empire. Eventually, he would defeat Judah and Jerusalem and take thousands of Jews into exile. Jeremiah’s later prophecies warned God’s people about this judgment, but the people largely ignored him.
Of course, none of the events of Jeremiah’s day took God by surprise. He was actively involved in human history, and He was about to reveal Himself in a special way to a young man from Anathoth.
Jeremiah recorded his own testimony by saying, the word of the LORD came to me. Similar expressions also occur in other prophetic books to describe God revealing His message (Ezek. 1:3; Hos. 1:1). The text does not disclose exactly how God spoke to his servant. He may have spoken audibly, or perhaps He impressed His will on Jeremiah’s mind in an unmistakable way. Sometimes God spoke to His prophets through visions, as He did with Daniel and Zechariah (Dan. 2:19; Zech. 1:7–6:8). In any case, Jeremiah clearly understood it was God’s word that had come to him.
5 I chose you before I formed you in the womb; I set you apart before you were born. I appointed you a prophet to the nations.
God then revealed the big plans He had for Jeremiah. These plans were not something God had recently decided. Rather, God had known Jeremiah and chose him as a prophet even before Jeremiah’s conception! The Hebrew word translated formed is the same word used of God’s work in creating both Adam and David (Gen. 2:7-8; Ps. 139:16). A related word is later translated “potter” (see Jer. 18:2). Knowing that God had a plan for our lives long before we were born should motivate us to embrace that plan and follow it faithfully. We should live our lives to praise Him.
The Hebrew word translated I set you apart carries the concept of holiness in the Hebrew wording. God’s calling is always a holy calling, whether the task seems small or large. Our duty is to embrace that calling and to serve Him faithfully.
The word appointed may also be translated as “gave.” The Lord gave Jeremiah the responsibility of being a prophet to the nations. The term prophet literally means “called one” or “called to speak” and designated a significant role in God’s purpose. Prophets readily engaged the people as their roles typically involved speaking publicly. Much of Jeremiah’s ministry occurred around Jerusalem. Perhaps his biggest impact on the nations came as his prophecies later were committed to writing and thus made an impact on future generations as well.
6 But I protested, “Oh no, Lord GOD! Look, I don’t know how to speak since I am only a youth.”
Jeremiah responded as many church members today do when they are asked to serve in a particular role. He protested. The Hebrew word translated Oh no also can be translated “Alas!” and describes Jeremiah’s shock and feelings of deep inadequacy. He was not refusing to serve, but he certainly was surprised the Lord GOD would call him! Perhaps some believers today are surprised God would ask them to serve Him, but God calls all His children to represent Him as His ambassadors (2 Cor. 5:20).
Jeremiah suggested he was not qualified to serve as God’s prophet because he could not speak eloquently and was only a youth. Bible interpreters generally believe Jeremiah was about twenty years old when God called him.
Many young people today also struggle to accept God’s call. They may believe others will not respect them because of their age, or they believe they lack experience to serve effectively. However, God wants us to surrender to His call whatever our age. He has created us on purpose for a purpose—His purpose—and He will equip us as the representatives He calls us to be.
7 Then the LORD said to me: Do not say, “I am only a youth,” for you will go to everyone I send you to and speak whatever I tell you. 8 Do not be afraid of anyone, for I will be with you to rescue you. This is the LORD’s declaration.
The LORD reassured Jeremiah that He was not concerned with his youth. He was more concerned with Jeremiah’s availability than with Jeremiah’s ability! Besides, the young man would not be proclaiming his own message. Rather, he would go to everyone God sent him and speak whatever the Lord commanded. Indeed, prophets functioned as God’s messengers, bringing His message to His people. Jeremiah’s statement that God’s words came to him (Jer. 1:1) and similar expressions occur commonly in prophetic writings to emphasize this fact.
The Lord told Jeremiah not to be afraid of anyone. During Israel’s history, many people did not want to hear God’s message, so they persecuted true prophets. Even today, people sometimes get upset when the Holy Spirit uses a sermon or a Bible study to convict them of sin. However, their real problem lies in their own hearts, not with the pastor or teacher.
The Lord promised to be with Jeremiah and to rescue him when he faced opposition. This divine declaration highlighted the foundation of Jeremiah’s success. Jeremiah would succeed because of God’s presence in his life. Believers who follow God’s calling today also have the promise of His presence (Matt. 28:20), so we can represent Him confidently.
9 Then the LORD reached out his hand, touched my mouth, and told me: I have now filled your mouth with my words. 10 See, I have appointed you today over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and demolish, to build and plant.
The LORD performed a symbolic act to encourage His new prophet. He reached out his hand and touched Jeremiah’s mouth. This act somewhat paralleled Ezekiel’s commission when he received a scroll containing God’s words and ate it (Ezek. 2:8–3:3). It also reminds readers of God’s call to Isaiah, whose lips were purified by a coal from the altar of the temple (Isa. 6:6-7). The apostle John had a similar experience centuries later (Rev. 10:8-11). In each case, prophecy originated with God, not with humans (2 Pet. 1:20-21).
God then reaffirmed His call on Jeremiah’s life. He had appointed him over nations and kingdoms. God would ensure the ultimate fulfillment of His Word through Jeremiah. Some of Jeremiah’s message would focus on judgment where God would uproot and tear down, . . . destroy and demolish nations that opposed Him. However, He would also build and plant His people again one day in the land He had given them.
God creates people with a purpose to fulfill. Jesus Himself often emphasized His desire to submit completely to His Father’s service (John 4:34; 5:30). At a young age, Jeremiah learned that God’s destiny for his life was to serve Him by speaking for Him. God does not call everyone to preach or teach, but He does call every believer to represent Him in this world.
(In PSG, p. 14)
11 Then the word of the LORD came to me, asking, “What do you see, Jeremiah?” I replied, “I see a branch of an almond tree.” 12 The LORD said to me, “You have seen correctly, for I watch over my word to accomplish it.”
The word of the LORD continued to come to Jeremiah as God confirmed His will for His prophet. First, God showed him a branch of an almond tree. Almond trees were the first to bloom in that region—typically around January. So, when people saw it, they were reminded spring was on its way.
God used the object lesson of the almond tree to confirm to His prophet that He would watch over His word to accomplish it. His promise to keep His word was even more certain than spring following the blossoming of the almond tree!
Interestingly, the Hebrew words related to almond branches and watching sound almost exactly alike and thus also constitute a play on words. God equipped Jeremiah with the assurance that he could depend on God’s message. God also equips His servants today. As we respond to His call, we have His assurance that He stands behind His promises.
13 Again the word of the LORD came to me asking, “What do you see?” And I replied, “I see a boiling pot, its lip tilted from the north to the south.” 14 Then the LORD said to me, “Disaster will be out from the north on all who live in the land.”
The Lord’s second confirming vision showed Jeremiah a boiling pot. The pot’s lip was tilted from the north so that its contents could pour out on the south. The expression symbolically indicated the direction from which disaster would strike God’s people. The highway leading from Mesopotamia came from the north of Israel and entered the land above the Sea of Galilee. Armies such as Assyria and Babylon came from that direction and invaded the land by coming through the Jezreel Valley.
Jeremiah’s second vision reminds us that serving God can bring many challenges. Jeremiah no doubt anguished over bringing God’s message of judgment to a people he loved. Nonetheless, he had to remain faithful to his calling. Likewise, many people do not want to hear or accept the good news of salvation through Jesus because it means admitting they are sinners. They may shun us for proclaiming Christ as the answer to their spiritual needs. Believers must find their ultimate assurance in God and His Word, not in people’s responses to our words.
15 “Indeed, I am about to summon all the clans and kingdoms of the north.” This is the LORD’s declaration. They will come, and each king will set up his throne at the entrance to Jerusalem’s gates. They will attack all her surrounding walls and all the other cities of Judah.
God’s instruments of judgment against His people included all the clans and kingdoms of the north. The Bible mentions the Babylonians as the chief army, but other peoples joined in Judah’s judgment (2 Kings 24:2). Jerusalem’s gates were the place where the city’s business transactions typically occurred. Every leader from the invading armies would establish a throne in this hub once the city was conquered (Jer. 39:2-3).
Ancient warfare often involved surrounding a city and attacking its surrounding walls to keep pressure on the city’s citizens. Cutting off a city’s food and water supply could lead to a quick surrender. Armies also might build scaffolding from which their archers could shoot arrows over the wall down into the city. Others used a battering ram to pound the city’s gate. God warned that not only Jerusalem, but all the cities of Judah, would face similar disaster—a warning that proved true (Jer. 34:6-7).
The Bible asserts that we all are involved in a spiritual battle with Satan and his forces. He is a defeated but powerful foe, who continually works to thwart God’s plans in the world. The apostle Paul reminded the Ephesian church of this and urged believers to adorn themselves with God’s spiritual armor and take their stand in this evil world (Eph. 6:12-18).
16 “I will pronounce my judgments against them for all the evil they did when they abandoned me to burn incense to other gods and to worship the works of their own hands.”
God described the people’s sin. They had committed great evil by abandoning Him and His covenant with them. Instead, they bowed to other gods and adopted pagan religious rites. They chose to worship the works of their own hands rather than the God who had created them in His image. Their spiritual journey was the exact opposite of what God had designed when He gave His people the promised land centuries earlier.
God’s Word promises judgment on those who ignore or reject Him. Today, many go about their lives unconcerned about eternity and unaware God’s judgment is coming. The Lord wants His children to serve Him, including our call to share the gospel.
(In PSG, p. 16)
17 “Now, get ready. Stand up and tell them everything that I command you. Do not be intimidated by them or I will cause you to cower before them.”
The Lord challenged His prophet to get ready. Jeremiah could not have imagined all that lay ahead of him, just as we cannot when we serve God. Following the Lord will take our lives on unanticipated journeys, but He will guide our steps through both blessings and challenges.
Jeremiah was to stand up and tell God’s words to the people. Christians sometimes avoid talking about certain issues because they fear they might offend someone, but we must faithfully proclaim all God’s truth. As we denounce sin, though, we also must deal compassionately with those who struggle (Gal. 6:1).
The task must have seemed daunting to Jeremiah, but God commanded him to avoid being intimidated by his audience. God would equip him to serve. If he showed signs of intimidation, God might make him cower before them. As we serve the Lord, we must rely on His strength (Phil. 2:13) so He can accomplish infinitely more than we can imagine (Eph. 3:20).
18 “Today, I am the one who has made you a fortified city, an iron pillar, and bronze walls against the whole land—against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests, and the population. 19 They will fight against you but never prevail over you, since I am with you to rescue you.” This is the LORD’s declaration.
God had made Jeremiah like a fortified city, with all the strength He needed to serve faithfully. Like an iron pillar or bronze walls, God equipped Jeremiah to stand strong and represent Him. Over the course of Jeremiah’s ministry, he would face faithless kings of Judah such as Jehoiakim (36:1-32) and Zedekiah (37:17-20; 38:14-23). Many of Judah’s officials and priests also would oppose him (20:1-6; 26:7-9), as would the general population. Jeremiah also would face false prophets who would contradict his word and lead the people astray (28:1-17). Yet, God promised His protection as the prophet served Him.
Many Christians give excuses for why they will serve the Lord later. But now is the time. God has promised to be with us (Heb. 13:5) and will provide all we need. Even when we seem to be standing alone, God calls us to represent Him faithfully.
God warned Jeremiah that the prophet’s audience would fight against him. The struggle would prove difficult, but Jeremiah’s opponents would never prevail. God would rescue Jeremiah in the perilous times ahead. The prophet could take courage from the LORD’s declaration on his behalf.
Christians experience challenges. Sometimes these challenges come from the Lord to strengthen our faith. Other times, they may be attacks from the enemy. Christians need to spend time in God’s Word so they know the truth that will sustain them as they embrace God’s will and serve Him.
(In PSG, p. 17)
Evangelism and Missions
It is the duty and privilege of every follower of Christ and of every church of the Lord Jesus Christ to endeavor to make disciples of all nations. (See Gen. 12:1-3; Acts 1:8.)
Read, reflect on, and react emotionally to a Bible verse.
Read aloud slowly and reflectively Jeremiah 1:4-8. Try to imagine how you would feel if you were in Jeremi-ah’s situation. Consider God’s calling on your life and share honestly with Him any fears or concerns you may have about pursuing it. How does God’s reply to Jeremiah’s concern (Jer. 1:7-8) give you courage to represent God in the world.