1:6
Like many who were called by God (eg Moses, Gideon), Jeremiah thinks this is a very bad idea. Remember he would be aware of the current political situation. So Jeremiah trots out some objects. Only two in his case, Moses had a whole plethora of objections! Jeremiah’s objections are that he does not know how to speak (ie to speak publicly, especially to a hostile audience) and that he is too young. Thinking we are too old would be an equally invalid objection. If God has chosen us then every objection falls away.
1:7
God has no time for Jeremiah’s excuses! Just as He has no time for our excuses. If God tells us to do something. Or, more to the point, that He has chosen us to be His instrument, then we should quit arguing. So Jeremiah has been appointed, in fact was so even before his birth. Now he is given commands. He must go to whoever God sends him to, and say whatever God tells him to say.
1:8
However, God is not unaware of how Jeremiah feels. So he provides encouragement and strengthening for him. Jeremiah is not to be afraid, but this is not an instruction in a vacuum, for God will be with him. God does not send us alone. Rather, God involves us in what He is doing. It is never just about us doing stuff, it is about God doing stuff. Now He does not promise that Jeremiah will not face danger, but the He does promise to rescue him.
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