v 5. “I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.”
Unlike Isaiah, Jeremiah is not invited to be a prophet for God – he is part of a long-term plan, appointed as God’s messenger to the nations. (Not just the Jews please notice.) Will it be any more comfortable for him than it was for Isaiah? Not a bit of it; serious opposition is guaranteed. Try reading this slowly, and take in what God said to Jeremiah. How do you think he felt?
Listen! I am calling the armies of the kingdoms of the north to come to Jerusalem. I, the Lord, have spoken!
“They will set their thrones at the gates of the city.
They will attack its walls and all the other towns of Judah.
I will pronounce judgment on my people for all their evil—
for deserting me and burning incense to other gods.
Yes, they worship idols made with their own hands!
“Get up and prepare for action.
Go out and tell them everything I tell you to say.
Do not be afraid of them, or I will make you look foolish in front of them.
For see, today I have made you strong
like a fortified city that cannot be captured, like an iron pillar or a bronze wall.
You will stand against the whole land—the kings, officials, priests, and people of Judah. They will fight you, but they will fail. For I am with you, and I will take care of you. I, the Lord, have spoken!”
Got that Jeremiah – you are in for a tough time? You will not be the preacher everyone loves. You will not be a messenger tickling their ears with news of peace and goodwill.
Like Isaiah, you too will not be loved for the message you announce!