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EXCUSES, EXCUSES
“Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying: “Before I formed you in the womb
I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the
nations.” Jeremiah 1:4
Before God placed Jeremiah in his mother’s womb, God planned to use him in a mighty
way. God had detailed plans for Jeremiah. It was an awesome task but one that God knew
Jeremiah could handle if he would put his trust in Him.
But Jeremiah wasn’t as sure of this as God was. Jeremiah began to offer some good
arguments. He was young and who would listen to a young kid preaching doom and
destruction? He wasn’t married. Such celibacy was rare among the Jews and undoubtedly
would raise questions about his normalcy. God is free to act in individual lives as He chooses.
God doesn’t always work with normal people, in normal ways to accomplish normal tasks.
God specializes in the abnormal.
In verse 7, Jeremiah offers up the excuse, “I’m not qualified. I have no experience.” God
doesn’t want experience. He wants obedience and trust; then He qualifies you.
In verse 9, Jeremiah states, “I can’t speak eloquently.” We don’t need to worry about
eloquent speech. Give God our willing heart and life and He will supply the words. When
God calls us...He supplies everything we need to get the job done. “And we know that all
things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according
to His purpose.” Romans 8:28.
What characterized Jeremiah’s obedient response to God’s call? First, Jeremiah developed
a deep personal honesty, especially in his relationship with God. Second, he was courageous
in carrying out his God-instilled convictions. He knew what he had to do and he did it...not
always happily but always faithfully and courageously. Third, Jeremiah demonstrated a
passionate hatred of morally or spiritually unsound conduct. Fourth, even though he was
called to be “a prophet of doom,” he was very sensitive to his people’s sufferings. And last,
he had hope that in the future, God would allow his people to return to their land.
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