On being chosen

Jeremiah 1:4-5, 17-19 - The word of the LORD came to me, saying,

"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
before you were born I set you apart;
I appointed you as a prophet to the nations."

"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. Today I have made you a fortified city, an iron pillar and a bronze wall to stand against the whole land—against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests and the people of the land. They will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you and will rescue you," declares the LORD.

Have you ever hoped God would choose you for some special task? Has he given you gifts that you think could be used in a unique way to further the spread of his saving word to all nations? If so, "Get yourself ready!" Perhaps you too have been chosen before you were born for a specific purpose, much like Jeremiah.

Jeremiah didn't think he was so special though. Notice how much encouragement God had to give him right from the start. I wonder if Jeremiah thought, "What could possibly be headed my way (or what am I heading into) that is going to require so much help from God? It sounds like I'll be worse off if I try not to do what he says though. Well, I better get ready."

Stuff was going to happen that could terrify him. He had to be made tough as iron and bronze. He would need rescuing. I wonder how many of us today could handle such a message -- living in our cushy lifestyle as we do.