Embracing the Call

Recently, I had a meaningful conversation with a friend who was preparing to take some time away to seek God’s guidance for his life. The Lord prompted me to encourage him to spend time in the Book of Jeremiah. Upon his return, he shared how rich Jeremiah is and how the Lord used many passages to speak directly to his heart. It served as a reminder of the depth and relevance of God’s Word, especially in moments of seeking and discernment. In a world full of uncertainty and distraction, the Book of Jeremiah offers valuable insights that can support us in our divine mission.

Jeremiah explores the depths of the human heart, reminding us of its complexities. In Jeremiah 17:9, we read, "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?" This verse highlights that our church family, like ourselves, struggles with doubts and distractions. Recognizing this can help us lead with compassion and grace, fostering safe spaces for honesty and healing.

We are called to encourage our congregations to self-examination, as seen in Jeremiah 4:14: "O Jerusalem, wash the evil from your heart and be saved." Creating an environment where self-examination is welcomed helps guide our churches toward spiritual renewal. We can inspire them to echo the prayer found in Psalm 139:23-24: "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts."

One of the most encouraging messages in Jeremiah is the promise of transformation and renewal. In Jeremiah 31:33, God promises, "I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts." This powerful assurance reminds us that God desires a close, personal relationship with each and every one of us. As leaders, we can confidently share this new covenant, reassuring the people we serve of the hope that comes from being renewed in Christ, as clearly expressed in 2 Corinthians 5:17: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"

We are also reminded in Jeremiah 24:7 that God declares, "I will give them a heart to know me, that I am the Lord." Wow, what a promise! This promise invites us to create spaces where individuals can have a personal encounter with God. We can facilitate this intimacy through prayer, worship, and community, encouraging our churches to deepen their relationship with Him. Even more, this passage also encourages us to value discipling self-feeding Christians. 

Another gem from Jeremiah aids us in leadership. Leadership comes with challenges, but Jeremiah provides wisdom and encouragement for these times. In Jeremiah 5:23, we are warned, "But these people have stubborn and rebellious hearts; they have turned aside and gone away." As leaders, we must stay alert against heartening ourselves or others—both in our own hearts and within our communities. We can remind our congregations of the importance of keeping a soft heart before God, as expressed in Ezekiel 36:26: "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh."

Ultimately, Jeremiah’s message is one of hope. In Jeremiah 29:11, we are reassured, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." We know that in its context, the Lord was promising future redemption for the people of God. As one of my pastors used to say, “Put it back where you got it.” However, this verse provides a strong foundation for our faith, reminding us that God controls our futures, even in the most challenging circumstances. As leaders, we can encourage our congregations to trust in God’s plans, which are filled with hope and promise.

As you continue in your calling, let the insights from Jeremiah guide and inspire you. Embrace the complexities of the human heart, celebrate the promise of transformation, and lead your community with hope and compassion. Remember, you are not alone on this journey. Lean on God’s Word and seek opportunities to connect with other faith leaders, knowing that your labor is not in vain 

(1 Corinthians 15:58).

May this season of leadership be marked by renewed strength, encouragement from Scripture, and a deeper commitment to guiding others into a closer relationship with our Lord.

Keep Lookin’ Up!

Johnny Mac