Called, Set Apart
Scripture Reading — Jeremiah 1:4-10
“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.”
A prophet is called by God. The initiative in making a prophet always rests with God. Being a prophet is not a ministry that anyone can take up. Only false prophets dare to take this up for themselves.
A true prophetic ministry begins with a call from God. Isaiah had a dramatic call (Isaiah 6); he needed this to sustain him through a difficult, disappointing ministry. Jeremiah’s call came in a specific word from God when he was young. The Lord said to him, “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.”
Because of our anointing through the finished work of Jesus, these words to Jeremiah are true of us too. Not only did God set us apart before we were born, but Jesus also tells us to bring his good news to all nations (Matthew 28:19-20).
God knows where he wants you. When you seek God and draw near to him, his calling will find you. If you are looking for your calling, spend time in God’s Word and in worship. Don’t rob yourself of God’s presence. Ask the Lord for his guidance and direction, and you will find your Spirit-led calling.
Have you heard the Lord’s call? Are you fulfilling that call to be his prophet, sharing Christ with others in this world?
Thank you, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, for giving me a calling. May I obey you and fulfill my calling as a prophet, to your glory. Amen.
About the author — Pete Byma
Pete Byma has served as a pastor of congregations in Michigan and in Washington state. Serving now as a pastor in Grand Rapids, Michigan, he is also a consultant/coach for churches experiencing conflict, and he enjoys equipping and establishing people in ministry. He is married to Cheri, and they have four grown children and six grandchildren. Pete is also a registered soccer official and enjoys bicycling.
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