Made for this moment
I. Introduction:
A. Of the twenty rulers who reigned over Judah, only six were deemed good. Among these, two stood out as exceptional leaders: King Hezekiah and King Josiah.
B. Josiah’s reign was marked by significant reforms and a spiritual revival, which were crucial following the legacy of his two predecessors: his father, Amon, and his grandfather, Manasseh. His grandfather, Manasseh, was notoriously the most wicked king to have ruled over Judah (cf. 2 Kings 21).
C. Jeremiah 1:2 records that Josiah removed idols, cleansed the temple, restored the Passover, and encouraged the people to follow the Lord. Josiah’s reforms had sparked a brief but powerful spiritual revival, yet the impact was fleeting. In Jere 1:3, after Josiah’s death, the people quickly abandoned God’s laws and returned to idolatry and injustice. It was into this spiritual setting—one marked by both the height of Judah’s spiritual revival and the straying into apostasy and wickedness—that Jeremiah was called.
D. Jeremiah’s prophetic ministry began during the reign of King Josiah and extended through the rule of Judah’s final five monarchs, concluding in the reign of King Zedekiah during the Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem. His calling as a prophet took place in the thirteenth year of Josiah’s reign (626 BC) and continued until the eleventh year of Zedekiah’s rule (586 BC), which marked the end of Judah’s kingdom.
E. Throughout his forty-year ministry, Jeremiah witnessed the height of Judah’s spiritual revival and its descent into rebellion and wickedness. This downward spiral would ultimately lead to Judah’s subjugation by King Nebuchadnezzar, the destruction of the temple and city walls, and the exile of many prominent citizens to Babylon. His ministry encompassed both the finest and darkest moments in Judah’s history.
II. Jeremiah’s Call
A. While the Book of Jeremiah contains the revelation from God to the prophet, it seems that Jeremiah himself was not the individual who physically wrote the text. According to Jeremiah 36:4, his secretary, Baruch, was responsible for transcribing everything that Jeremiah dictated to him. Therefore, the book likely represents a collection of scrolls that Baruch meticulously recorded by God’s divine guidance.
B. Jeremiah came from a priestly family residing in Anathoth, a priestly village about five kilometres northeast of Jerusalem, known for being home to many priests who served in the temple.
C. In the thirteenth year of King Josiah’s reign, God called Jeremiah to his prophetic mission. This divine call came during a period when Judah was led by a devout and righteous king, whose unwavering commitment to God fostered an environment ripe for spiritual renewal.
“Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, and before you were born, I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” – Jeremiah 1:5
D. One of the key lessons we learn from this verse is the depth of God’s foreknowledge. Nothing in the universe escapes His understanding—He knows every detail and how each will unfold. Even before Jeremiah was formed in the womb, God saw the person he would become, shaped by his family and life experiences. Through this divine preparation, Jeremiah was uniquely qualified to serve as God’s messenger to the rulers of Judah and the surrounding nations.
E. We should also recognise an important lesson here: we are all part of God’s divine plan, and each of us has a unique mission to fulfil. Our purpose in life should not revolve around our worldly desires and pleasures; rather, we are here to serve God. As Paul writes in Ephesians…
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10
F. It’s worth noting that none of us are here by chance. Occasionally, parents might say, “We weren’t expecting to get pregnant; the child was an accident.” However, the soul of every child is not the product of mere coincidence or a random event but is intentionally formed and created by God. For instance, consider King Solomon, who was born into a union which began with adultery, yet Solomon played a significant role in God’s plan.
G. Hear the words of King David:
For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.
My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret,
intricately woven in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.
Psalms 139:13-16
H. Jeremiah and David’s inspired writings should deepen our appreciation for the sanctity of life, reminding us that all life comes from God. Every child conceived has a purpose assigned by God and a role to play in His divine plan, no matter how small it may seem. No one on this planet has the right to determine who is worthy or unworthy of life. All lives are precious in God’s eyes, and we have no authority to terminate what He has created and formed.
I. An unborn child is not merely a mass of tissue; rather, each soul is intentionally fashioned by God in His very image. Babies are not just random occurrences; each one is purposefully woven together by our Creator. Your life is no accident either. Long before you entered this world, God knew you and had a plan for you.
J. This is the message God gave to the people of Judah in captivity and to any nation that would listen.
11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jere 29:11
K. God has a perfect plan for each of us. Your presence here is intentional, and it’s vital to use your unique talents and abilities to serve Him and contribute to the growth of His kingdom. Embrace the truth that God has a purpose just for you.
L. And we know that for those who love God, all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew, he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.
Romans 8:28-30
Ultimately, God desires us to be saved and to have a relationship with Him.
III. Jeremiah’s Reluctance (Hesitation)
“Ah, Lord GOD! Behold, I do not know how to speak, for I am only a youth.”
Jeremiah 1:6
A. Although God had a plan for Jeremiah, he still had free will. Initially, Jeremiah seemed resistant to God’s request for him to become a prophet. God did not force him into this role; instead, Jeremiah chose to embrace his destiny and serve God.
B. It’s completely normal for us to create excuses when we encounter tough or uncomfortable choices. We all face moments of struggle, and it’s understandable to feel hesitant. It’s important to remember that God doesn’t want to compel us to serve Him; instead, He desires that we do so out of heartfelt gratitude. Recognizing the significant sacrifice made for our redemption can help us find motivation and a deeper connection when we choose to serve
C. Jeremiah’s hesitation was not due to a lack of willingness but rather to self-doubt. G. Campbell Morgan defends Jeremiah by stating, “That was the cry of weakness, not of unwillingness. I know not how to speak; not I will not speak.”
D. Though Jeremiah was likely still in his late teens or early twenties, this did not excuse him from his responsibility to serve God. Throughout the Bible, we have examples where God has used young men to achieve His purposes. For example, in the story from Genesis 37 to the end of the book, we read how God used Joseph, a youth, to become an influential leader in Egypt, which ultimately led to the salvation of his family and the preservation of the seed line of Jesus. Similarly, in 1 Samuel 17, David was used by God in his youth to slay Goliath.
E. In 1 Timothy 4, Paul instructs Timothy:
“Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12). In his second epistle to Timothy, Paul encourages him to “Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season.”
F. Throughout history, there have been courageous young people who stood up and died for what they believed in.
1. Sophie Scholl was a university student in Munich who bravely defied the Nazi regime during World War II. Her Christian faith inspired her to distribute anti-war leaflets opposing the ideology of Nazi Germany. Tragically, she was arrested by the Gestapo, refused to betray her fellow resistance members, and was executed by guillotine at the age of 21 in 1943 for high treason.
2. Iqbal Masih (1983–1995) was a forced child labourer in Pakistan. He managed to escape and began campaigning against child labour, advocating for the right of children to receive an education. After escaping a second time, he joined the Bonded Labour Liberation Front (BLLF), a movement dedicated to ending child labour around the world. He helped over 3,000 children escape forced labour in Pakistan. Tragically, he was shot in the head at the age of 12.
It is unlikely that we will pay the ultimate sacrifice for what we believe in, but we should be prepared to.
G. Later, Jeremiah would say in Lamentations, “It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth” (Lamentations 3:27). So, young people, don’t think you are off the hook. Like Jeremiah, you, too, have been called to serve. God has created you for a purpose.
IV. Encouragement to fulfil calling
“But you, dress yourself for work; arise, and say to them everything that I command you. … “ Jeremiah 1:17
A. It’s uncertain whether Jeremiah truly grasped what awaited him as he began his forty-year ministry. He would proclaim God’s justice and judgments over at least twenty nations and cities. He would address kings and religious leaders, false prophets and people of influence. He would be mocked and treated harshly by his fellow countrymen. But God knew Jeremiah’s heart.
B. Theo Laetsch writes:
“Jeremiah was of a warm-hearted, sympathetic nature. He shed tears when he saw the ever-increasing wickedness and stubborn self-hardening of his people, whose salvation he so fervently desired, or when he realised that the horrible judgements of the just God were drawing ever closer and finally saw them poured out like a devastating flood on people and country. Yet by the grace of God, he became a tower of strength, a real man’s man, one of God’s outstanding heroes. “
C. God, in His foreknowledge, knew that Jeremiah would need strength and encouragement to face whatever would confront him in the future and gave Jeremiah these words of encouragement.
Then the LORD put out his hand and touched my mouth. And the LORD said to me, “Behold, I have put my words in your mouth. See, I have set you this day over nations and over kingdoms, to pluck up and to break down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant.” Jeremiah 1:9-10
D. Further on, God adds
Behold, I make you this day a fortified city, an iron pillar, and bronze walls, against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests, and the people of the land. They will fight against you, but they shall not prevail against you, for I am with you, declares the LORD, to deliver you. Jeremiah 1:18-19
E. God has uniquely formed you and understands how He made you. Use the gifts you’ve been given to fulfil God’s will. Share His words with others and serve with the strength He provides. Strive in all that you do to glorify God in Christ. Do not fear your calling, for He has entrusted it to you. In verse 8, God reassures Jeremiah, saying, “Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you.” Remember, God always stands by us as we pursue our purpose.
Remember the words of Moses to Joshua. “It is the LORD who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:8
F. God has made a similar promise to us today
“…for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?”
Hebrews 13:5-6
We learn from scriptures that we can gain strength and assurance by knowing the word of God.
11 If anyone speaks, it should be as one who speaks God’s words; if anyone serves, it should be from the strength God provides, so that God may be glorified through Jesus Christ in everything – 1 Peter 4:11
I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one.
1 John 2:14
You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me
2 Timothy 2:1-2
G. The more we study and know God’s word, the stronger our faith will be and the more prepared we will be to face the challenges that life brings.
V. The reason God called Jeremiah.
A. Jeremiah encountered significant challenges in his mission, aware that God had warned him about the opposition he would face. He endured harsh persecution, which included being beaten and imprisoned by Pashur the priest (Jeremiah 20:1-2) and receiving a death sentence from priests and officials for prophesying Jerusalem’s ruin (Jeremiah 26:7-9). Ultimately, he was cast into a muddy cistern and left to perish after advising Judah to surrender to the Babylonians (Jeremiah 38:6-13).).
B. God not only appointed Jeremiah to deliver His messages to those leading Judah astray, including kings and officials, but also tasked him with warning other nations. This illustrates that God’s love extends beyond Israel and Judah to embrace all humanity.
C. F B Meyer writes
“One of the primary messages of Jeremiah is the impending judgment upon Judah due to their persistent sin and unfaithfulness to God. From the very beginning, Jeremiah is called to be a prophet to the nations, appointed to “uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant” (Jeremiah 1:10, NIV). This dual commission underscores the dual nature of his message—both destruction and renewal.
D. Judah had become so corrupted that God declared:
“Roam through the streets of Jerusalem, look around and consider. Search through her squares. If you can find even one person who deals honestly and seeks the truth, I will forgive this city.” (Jeremiah 5:1).
Unfortunately, no such person could be found, which justified the impending judgment.
E. Call to Repentance. Jeremiah’s messages were not all about the bad news. They also included a call to repentance.
Return, unfaithful Israel. This is the LORD’S declaration.
I will not look on you with anger, for I am unfailing in My love.
This is the LORD’S declaration. I will not be angry forever.
Only acknowledge your guilt —you have rebelled against the LORD your God.
Jeremiah 3:12-13
F. Even though God has pronounced judgment upon Judah and the surrounding nations, He still desires to be reconciled and have a relationship with them. God is merciful and loving as we can see God’s love expressed in Jere 31:20
Is Ephraim my dear son? Is he my darling child?
For as often as I speak against him, I do remember him still.
Therefore my heart yearns for him; I will surely have mercy on him,
declares the LORD. Jeremiah 31:20
G. Just like a loving parent disciplines their child not out of hatred but to guide them back on the right path, God punishes nations that have gone astray. This discipline serves as a reminder that He is the Almighty Sovereign who rules over all nations and desires to restore broken relationships through repentance and a return to His ways.
H. From our study we learn that Jeremiah was called to deliver prophecies concerning the coming judgement upon Judah and the surrounding nations and to remind them of God’s sovereignty
I. Behold, like the clay in the potter’s hand, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel. If at any time I declare concerning a nation or a kingdom, that I will pluck up and break down and destroy it, and if that nation, concerning which I have spoken, turns from its evil, I will relent of the disaster that I intended to do to it. Jeremiah 18:6-8
J. Again, F. Meyer writes
In essence, Jeremiah’s mission was a difficult and often thankless one. He was called to speak truth to power, even when it was unpopular and led to persecution. He faithfully delivered God’s messages of warning, calling for repentance, and offering a glimpse of future hope amidst the looming disaster. He is often known as the “weeping prophet” because of the emotional anguish he experienced due to the people’s rejection of God’s word and the suffering that was to come.
K. God called Jeremiah because he possessed the qualities and attributes a prophet would need to accomplish this mission, to confront kings, priests and leaders. He would not buckle or cower when persecuted. He was motivated by his love for God and compassion for people, wanting them to be saved.
Jeremiah was made for this moment in history. We too have been made for this moment.
VI. Made For This Moment (Application)
A. What lessons can we learn from Jeremiah chapter 1.
1. We are not here by accident but part of God’s plan that he has for the world. Each one of us has a role to play, whether large or small, in helping to accomplish God’s will and reflect God’s image in the world.
2. Second, we do not have an excuse for not doing God’s work because we were made for his work. We should not think that our excuses change why God has made us. Rather than focusing on our weaknesses, we must emphasise God’s strength. We all feel inadequate.
a) Like Jeremiah, Paul also needs assurance to fulfil his ministry, as we read in Acts 18:10,11
And the Lord said to Paul one night in a vision, “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many in this city who are my people.”
This implies that Paul had feelings of fear or hesitation at that time.
b) Like Jeremiah, there were times when Paul felt inadequate
For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing: to the one an aroma from death to death, to the other an aroma from life to life. And who is adequate for these things? 2 Corinthians 2:15-17
c) Paul did not consider himself a great orator and had the same fears that we may have:
I also was with you in weakness and fear, and in great trembling, and my message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power
1 Corinthians 2:3-4
d) God reassures us that we have everything we need in Him and His Word. His promise to be with us is unwavering:
“I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER ABANDON YOU.” This gives us the confidence to declare, “THE LORD IS MY HELPER; I WILL NOT BE AFRAID. WHAT CAN MAN DO TO ME?” (Hebrews 13:5-6).
By embracing His Word, we can effectively carry out His good works and fulfil our purpose.
3. Third, we will have resistance. People will fight against us.
‘A slave is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you as well; if they followed My word, they will follow yours also. But all these things they will do to you on account of My name,
John 15:20-21
a) It might even be our own brethren or family who fight against us, just like Jeremiah’s own people fought against him. However, this does not excuse us from our God-given purpose.
b) So let us gird up our loins, prepare ourselves and our minds for action, remain focused on Christ and “…so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. Hebrews 12:3-4
c) Whether it is the best of times or the worst of times, God gives us the strength to do his work and helps to overcome the fears we have. We all have abilities and talents to be used, and we all have God’s words to guide and to speak. We are his workmanship. We are his handiwork. We are formed the way God made us. Fulfil your purpose without excuse. God has given us His word to equip us to do God’s work.
We were made for this moment.