MODELS OF IMPACT FROM YOUTH (7)

“Then said I: “Ah, Lord God! Behold, I cannot speak, for I AM a YOUTH” – Jeremiah 1:5

Jeremiah is notable, yet less mentioned, among the Biblical MODELS of IMPACT from YOUTH: “Then said I: “Ah, Lord God! Behold, I cannot speak, for I AM a YOUTH” (Jer.1:5). We often do not relate to Jeremiah as a YOUTH, given his seemingly larger-than-life prophetic portrayal, yet he personally identified himself as a YOUTH! He was a very young man – probably in his teens – when God told him that he was meant to be a prophet. Despite his initial reluctance due to his youth, God reassured and equipped him to be a prophet to the nations, signifying that age is not a barrier to divine purpose. God can use anyone, regardless of age, to fulfill His Will. This offers a powerful message of hope and encouragement to the youth in God’s service.

Jeremiah initially expressed his youthfulness as an inadequacy, a reason for not being able to fulfill the prophetic role, but in the order of Divine Appointment, the Lord commanded him to not call himself a child: “Do not say, ‘I am a youth,’ for you shall go to all to whom I send you, and whatever I command you, you shall speak” (v.7b). This did not infer denying his youthfulness; it meant that age was not to define his ability to fulfil purpose. God assured him that he was not to be limited by his age, and that his prophetic role had been declared before his birth, indicating a preordained purpose and a divine plan for his life. 

God empowered Jeremiah by not only commissioning him but also providing him with the words to speak and the assurance that He will be with him to deliver him. He gave Jeremiah precise descriptions of the dimensions of his prophetic calling: “Then the Lord put forth His hand and touched my mouth, and the Lord said to me: “Behold, I have put My words in your mouth. SEE, I have this day set you over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out and to pull down, to destroy and to throw down, to build and to plant” (vv.9-10). Jeremiah was appointed over nations and kingdoms, and tasked with both destruction and building, signifying the profound impact of his prophetic ministry. 

To further reinforce his Purpose, the Lord showed Jeremiah a vision of an almond branch, symbolizing watchfulness and the fulfillment of God's Word, further emphasizing the prime place of obedience and trust in God's Plan. In His Hands, we’re never too young or too old to be useful, to live a disciple’s life, to be a servant of God, to live and overcoming life, or to do God’s Will! Every Believer can be an effective instrument and impactful vessel of God, regardless of age or perceived limitations.