Jeremiah 1: Jeremiah's Call

Old Testament Seminary Student Study Guide, (2002), 156

Some missions of the Church have had comparatively few convert baptisms in the past 150 years. How would you react if you were called to go on a mission to a place where very few people would listen to you and you would experience much persecution and many trials and have little hope for success? What could inspire you to fulfill this mission? Jeremiah 1 records what the Lord told Jeremiah about his mission. As you read, consider how you would feel if you were in Jeremiah’s position. Take time to also think about what the Lord has called you to do and the preparation that you need to make in order to succeed.

Understanding the Scriptures

Jeremiah 1

Sanctified thee (v. 5)Set you apart 
Rod (v. 11)Staff or stick 
Hasten my word (v. 12)Give a warning voice 
Gird up thy loins (v. 17)Get ready 
Dismayed (v. 17)Afraid 
Lest (v. 17)Or else 
Confound (v. 17)Confuse and make afraid 
Defenced (v. 18)Walled 
Brasen (v. 18)Bronze 

Jeremiah 1:5—“Before Thou Camest Forth out of the Womb I Sanctified Thee”

The Prophet Joseph Smith taught, “Every man who has a calling to minister to the inhabitants of the world was ordained to that very purpose in the Grand Council of heaven before this world was” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, sel. Joseph Fielding Smith [1976], 365).

Studying the Scriptures

Do activities A and B as you study Jeremiah 1.

Activity A Scripture Mastery iconScripture Mastery—Jeremiah 1:4–5

Jeremiah was foreordained to be a prophet. Foreordination is an important principle that helps us understand the premortal life and how it relates to this life. Read Jeremiah 1:4–5; Alma 13:3; and Abraham 3:22–23 and write your understanding of foreordination.

Activity B iconBefore We Came to Earth

  1. 1.

    Jeremiah’s calling was a difficult one, but what did he learn about his calling? (see Jeremiah 1:5).

  2. 2.

    What effect might it have had on Jeremiah to know he was chosen before he was born? In the margin of your scriptures you may want to write the statement of the Prophet Joseph Smith found in the “Understanding the Scriptures” section above.

  3. 3.

    How can a patriarchal blessing and the teachings of the prophets help you see what you were foreordained to do?

Activity C iconPromises from the Lord

  1. 1.

    What was Jeremiah’s response to his call from the Lord? (see Jeremiah 1:6).

  2. 2.

    Find and describe what the Lord said to Jeremiah in Jeremiah 1:7–11, 17–19 that you think helped him overcome his worries about preaching the gospel. How could this help a modern missionary with the same worry?