Excuses vs. Obedience

  Jeremiah, like Moses, made objections to God's call.  Jeremiah's excuses were "I do not know how to speak" and "I am only a child" (Jeremiah 1:6).   I don't know how old Jeremiah was when God called him, but being young seems like a good reason to postpone being a prophet.  However old he was though, God did not accept that as an excuse.  In fact, God said, "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" (Jeremiah 1:7-8). 

  As with Moses, God promised to tell him what to say.  As with Moses, God promised to be with him.  As with Moses, God sent him to a hostile audience.  God did not promise that Jeremiah would not suffer for being a prophet, but he promised to rescue him.  "Today I have made you a fortified city, an iron pillar and a bronze wall to stand against the whole land.  They will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you and will rescue you," he assured Jeremiah (Jeremiah 1:18-19).

  On the outside, it might look like Jeremiah was a failure because, on the whole, the kings and the nations did not listen to God's word through him.  But in God's eyes he was successful because he completed the task God gave him; he fulfilled his calling; he was obedient.  He did not let his original excuses - I don't know how to speak and I'm too young - hold him back.

  For reflection:  How obedient am I to answering God's call?  Do I trust God to give me the words to speak when I need them?

  Let us pray.  Lord, here I am.  I trust you not to call me to do anything you will not enable me to do.  I place my trust in you.

---