On being call Jeremiah 1:4-19

Being call is not something we determine, it is something we discover. On being call it is as important to discover the purposes of God as it is to discover the involvement to which he is calling us. The attitude we have as we carry out the call is also important. In Jeremiah’s case, he carries out the call being passionate to the word and compassionate for people.

Obeying the call is not always pleasant but we are commanded to take the challenge and do it: “get yourself ready! Stand up and say to them whatever I command you. Do not be terrified by them, or I will terrify you before them” (v.17). The Lord is commanding Jeremiah to not be afraid because he had to speak to power, both political and religious. To speak to power is difficult in a culture which has the habit of mistreating people bringing bad news but it is equally difficult in a culture which is very patriotic and scorn what perceives as negative messages.

Jeremiah is called to tear down what existed which is very difficult to do for compassionate people like him. Being called to tear down present structures of injustice is part of the call and it is very difficult due to the fact that those who are called are normally compassionate people; however, they can be sustained during this process by having a compelling view of the future change that God is calling them to make.

The Lord does not guaranty that the task will be easy or that we won’t encounter hardship and discouragement, but the Lord does guaranty that his presence will be with those he calls. God will not send people being called by him to a place he is not going. In time of crisis one of the things that sustains us and gives us energy for the journey is the discovery that we have been called by God.

 This word was delivered last week by Dr. Sam Vassel to a group of pastors at Crossroads Tabernacle in the Bronx. I took notes and put them together then asked Dr. Vassel for permission to publish them here. Dr. Vassel graciously accepted.