Jeremiah is often regarded as a Christ-figure, a prophet like Jesus, who suffered at the hands of his own people because he loved them enough to tell them the truth. A God-inspired man, fearlessly denouncing the religious laxity and social ills of his day, Jeremiah paid the price for his words. Tradition says that in 587 B.C., when the Babylonians conquered Jerusalem as Jeremiah had predicted, his own people murdered him.

The text we have before us is the call to ministry of the prophet Jeremiah in about 627 B.C., the 13th year of King Josiah's reign. From the beginning we notice that Jeremiah 1:4-10 dispels ministry illusions.

Illusions are false ideas. There are at least three false ideas about ministry which are dispelled in this Word of God about the call: that ministry is for priests alone; that feelings of inferiority will keep us from serving; and that fears will keep us from ministering.

The biblical correctives for these illusions are: that the ministry is for all the people of God; that the power and gifts of God turn inferior-feeling people into effective leaders; and that the affirmation "I will be with you" makes all the difference in the world.

The Priesthood Of The People

Jeremiah was the son of a priest. He was born in the town of Anathoth, a village three miles northeast of Jerusalem which was set aside for the priestly tribe of the Levites in the time of Joshua. In Jeremiah's time there were many priests who made this town their home. Jeremiah grew up around priests, but as far as we know, never "took holy orders" or became a priest. As a called layman, Jeremiah, the prophet, severely criticized the priesthood and ritualistic religion which gave false security.

As a matter of fact, Jeremiah stood before the temple and roared these words to the spiritually hard-of-hearing:

Be appalled, 0 heavens, at this, be shocked, be utterly desolate, says the Lord, for my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed out cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns, that can hold no water. - Jeremiah 2:12-13, RSV

The people of God went through the rituals of religion, but in their hearts, the temples within, they worshiped false gods. They were faithless!

Surely, as a faithless wife leaves her husband, so have you been faithless to me, 0 house of Israel, says the Lord. - Jeremiah 3:20, RSV

The threat of punishment looms large in this prophet of God who is called to "uproot and pull down, to destroy and to overthrow ... (Jeremiah 1:10 TEV)."

An appalling and horrible thing has happened in the land: the prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests rule at their direction; my people love to have it so, but what will you do when the end comes? - Jeremiah 5:30-31, RSV

Jeremiah opposed the temple religion and priestly pomp and circumstance which lacked moral fiber and ethical behavior.

From prophet to priest every one deals falsely. They have healed the wound of my people lightly, saying "Peace, peace, when there is no peace." - Jeremiah 8:10-11, RSV

In other words, Jeremiah attacked religion which had no heart for God and advocated the Word of God as a club to destroy priestly religion which brought comfort without truth.

Martin Luther did the same thing in the 16th century. One of the great principles of Luther is "the priesthood of the baptized." Luther taught that all of God's people, not just the priests, have responsibility to minister. The word minister means servant. The one who truly serves God and people is the true minister; not just those with turned around collars! The word "layperson" which we often use to denote a nonprofessional, comes from the Bible word "laos" which means "the people" (the people of God). A layman is one who serves God. That's no second-class citizenship! Illusion number one: "We are not ordained clergy." Down. Two to go!

The Power Of God Is Discovered In The Gifts Of The People

"I don't know how to speak; I am too young . . .," Jeremiah initially protested. Similar feelings are experienced today before the sweeping claims of God who expects his baptized people to act for him: "I'm not eloquent." "I'm too young." "I'm too old." "I'm not capable." "I'm too weak." "I can't do it."

At baptism God gives us the gift of the Holy Spirit. In life as God calls us to serve him and people, he supplies gifts for the Spirit for the work of the people of God. We can discover the will of God in our lives by discovering our spiritual gifts. Spiritual gifts are God's signature on our souls.

God says, "Do not say, 'I am too young, but go to the people. . .' (Jeremiah 1:7, TEV)." In other words, Jeremiah was gifted to go for God. In the same manner, God gives gifts to all his people.

Paul puts it this way:

Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be uninformed.... There are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit, and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of working, but it is the same God who inspires them all in every one. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good... Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. - 1 Corinthians 12:1-27, RSV

Illusion number two, "We can't do it." Down; one to go.

Fear Isn't In Charge Here

"Do not be afraid of them, for I will be with you to protect you (Jeremiah 1:8, TEY)." Fear is one of the most serious inhibiting factors for all people, including the people of God. In a recent Bible study, I asked the group to name the fears they feel themselves and/or observe in others. Here is the list which emerged in three groupings. (1) Illnesses: sickness, growing old, and dying; (2) Physical/psychological dangers: wars (especially nuclear war), terrorists, traffic in large cities, and the unknown, and; (3) Family: especially for children and grandchildren in a drug-oriented culture.

That's quite a bushelful, isn't it? That's enough to inhibit ministry until the kingdom comes. That's why God intends to quiet our fears.

Fear isn't in charge here when we believe the Word of God. That doesn't mean that we have no fears, but that we don't let fears "rule the roost." The Word of God is the biblical corrective for not going forward. Jeremiah heard the Word:"Do not be afraid ... I will protect you." The New Testament puts it this way: "Fear not, little flock (Luke 12:32)." "Fear not, daughter of Zion (John 12:15)." At the empty tomb the angel said to the frightened women: "Do not be afraid (Matthew 28:5, RSV)."

As he departed this earth, Jesus promised "Lo I am with you always, to the close of the age (Matthew 28:20)."

Fear isn't in charge here when we believe the promise: "I will protect you... (Jeremiah 1:8, TEV)." Fear isn't in charge here when we believe Jesus' promise, "Lo I am with you always..."

Fear isn't in charge here, so we can minister because God calls us in baptism, gives us gifts for serving others and keeps his promise not to desert us!