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Article Archive |
2008
“But I'm Only a Child...”
by Jim Morris
The word of the Lord came to young Jeremiah, saying, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations” (Jeremiah 1:5). However, Jeremiah's response was less than enthusiastic. He said, “Ah, Sovereign Lord, I do not know how to speak; I am only a child” (1:6). Alas, Jeremiah was one of many reluctant prophets. Why did he resist the Lord's commission? Why do we?
First, Jeremiah was satisfied with a lesser ministry as a PRIEST. Priests had predictable duties spelled out explicitly in scripture. They had sacrifices to make, laws to enforce, regulations and ceremonies to perform, a sanctuary to maintain, and the Law to teach. Priests had the honorable purpose of “conserving the past” to protect and to maintain the sanctuary ministry. Coming from a tribe of priests, he would not have to prove himself nor fear financial disaster. He would be assured a long, stable, respectful life. The life of a priest was safe.
Second, Jeremiah was afraid of the greater ministry of a PROPHET. Prophets had unpredictable duties created as the needs arose. A prophet's purpose was to “change the present” so that the nation would have a future. Priests merely instructed from God's Word. Prophets, however, persuaded people to change their lives. Prophets preached to crowds and nations about their wayward hearts and their urgent need to turn back to God whether they wanted to hear it or not. God raised up prophets from any tribe and thus they had to continually prove themselves to be God's spokespersons. They had no guarantees for health or wealth but only persecution and death. The life of a prophet was risky. Is it any wonder why Jeremiah would resist such an offer to be God's prophet?
Today, Christians are called by God to be His prophets as well as priests. However, like Jeremiah, most of us stick only with the predictable priestly duties of rights and rituals. We will stay in our sanctuaries performing our ceremonies thinking all is well with the world. However, sin has touched everyone and God needs prophets to “preach the Word.”
God responded to Jeremiah. “But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, 'I am only a child.' You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I AM WITH YOU and will rescue you,” declares the Lord” (1:7-8).
God responds to us, too. “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I AM WITH YOU always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20).
01-23-08
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