The Lord’s Call

Read Jeremiah 1:4-10 and Psalm 71:1-6

 

“Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, says the Lord.” 

Jeremiah 1:8

 

“For you, O Lord, are my hope, my trust, O Lord, from my youth. Upon you I have leaned from my birth; it was you who took me from my mother’s womb. My praise is continually of you.” Psalm 71:5-6

 

I was preparing a sermon for January 30, 2022 and struggling. The appointed lessons for the Revised Common Lectionary included Jeremiah 1:4-10 and Psalm 71:1-6.  As I wrestled with the scripture, hermeneutics happened. I began to find myself in those passages. 

Jeremiah 1:4-10 is about Jeremiah’s call and his reluctance. This is about being young and fearful and not sure what to do. When I was ordained to the office of elder on February 14, 1982, I experienced those feelings.

Forty years later, I identify with Psalm 71. This is a person looking back on life, reflecting on the lessons learned (often the hard way!). I can connect with these feelings, but I don’t consider myself a sage.

Whether you are a novice or a veteran, you are enough. God knows us — warts and all — and still loves us and calls us to serve. 

Mother Teresa once said, “Not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things with great love.”

 

Prayer:  Lord, you knew us in the womb. You have been our refuge. Help us to hear and respond to your call. May we do small things with great love. Amen.

Nathan Martens