Jeremiah 1:17

JEREMIAH CONTRA MUNDUM!

‘Be not dismayed.’

Jeremiah 1:17

I. A tender-hearted prophet.—Jeremiah stands before us, keenly sensitive to injustice and misconstruction, deeply moved by the ungodliness prevailing round him, well aware that the nation is hurrying to its ruin. I recognise in him a brother of my own, although I have not his lofty gifts. Frequently his heart was cast down. Frequently the burden laid on him seemed too heavy to carry. Frequently there was storm and darkness within his soul. I compassionate him. I feel for him. I love him. I know something of his misgivings and griefs.

II. A reassuring God.—Let us see at what pains God is to scatter the fears that gather round his soul. He gives him the assurance of an eternal ordination, an appointment to his work in the Divine mind before he was himself born. He gives him the assurance of a present help, touching his mouth to tell him that he will never be left in uncertainty as to his message—that thought and language will always be supplied. He gives him the assurance of a successful ministry: ‘I have this day set thee over the nations.’

One by one, if only I lean on Him, God will dispel all my alarms, and will make me wise and strong.

Illustration

‘A sense of helplessness is of prime importance as a preparation for ministry. Those who count themselves able to speak will never become God’s mouthpiece, those who have no words of their own will be surprised to find how forcible and perennial the stream of holy speech will become through their lips. Though you cannot He can. And your sense of inability is the condition that the Spirit of your Father should speak through you. Of you, too, it shall be true, “the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself, but the Father that dwelleth in me doeth the works.” ’