Jeremiah 1:4-10
This text is used for the Lectionary Year C on January 31, 2016
Most congregations will be familiar with this passage in Jeremiah. The description of Jeremiah being knitted together in his mother’s womb under the careful watch of God is a favorite reference of the pro-life movement. Indeed, this is a tender moment for any of us when we think about the imminence of God. A God who, Jesus tells us, knows the number of the hairs on our heads. Yet, in context, the description is even more meaningful to the prophet in the context of his ministry and, of course, richer in meaning for us as well.
Jeremiah was called to confront a corrupt political system and an immoral society that really didn’t want to hear what he had to say. He would pay dearly for his willingness to speak the truth. For bringing God’s word to God’s people he would be beaten, thrown in a well, imprisoned, and hounded. Beside the physical suffering he endured, he would agonize over a nation that wouldn’t respond to the salvation God was offering. He would beg for his eyes to become fountains so he could weep and weep for his people whose choices were taking them further and further away from God.