Jeremiah 1:4–5 (NKJV) — 4 Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying: 5 “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.”
Has God called you to be a prophet?
One definition of a prophet is, “Any person directed by the inspiration of God to proclaim His will.” Can you imagine the angst flowing through Jeremiah when God spoke to him? Jeremiah was being called to a lifetime of teaching, preaching, proclaiming, and warning the people of God’s judgment upon them. Many think of a prophet only in terms of someone foretelling the future.
Jeremiah was called to be a spokesman for God. He was to dedicate his life to proclaiming the Word of God to the people of God. Judah the southern kingdom was corrupt, moving away from God. Jeremiah was called to bring a message of God’s judgment upon the nation. The “people of God” would not only reject Jeremiah but would persecute him. Jeremiah remained faithful. Jeremiah needed encouragement and strength from God. He never doubted his calling from God.
We know God calls preachers, pastors, evangelists, and even missionaries to deliver His message to the people. But have you considered God’s calling in your life? You may not stand behind a pulpit on Sunday morning or be called to be a full-time missionary or evangelist, but God has called each one into his service just as He called Jeremiah to proclaim His Word. Just think if the workforce in America was filled with the prophets of God being the prophets of God! Just think how America would change if all Christians took seriously our calling to be messengers of God, prophets of God proclaiming His Word in our lifestyle and words.