I don't know how to speak,
in the world's eyes I am young,
but I will say what you command.
And if your word seems bleak,
I will not hold my tongue,
for I know you would rebuke your
chosen to draw us back to your hand.

I want to give your word,
and to help the people see
truths that you long to say to them.
And if it seems absurd
that you could speak through me,
yet I know you would restore your
chosen, to save them, not to condemn.

You put your word within,
and you fill me with your tears,
for you are jealous for our race.
And if I hold it in
your fire within me sears:
your compassion for your children, chosen
and precious - they need your grace.

Words and tune copyright © John Hartley 2006. Based on Jeremiah 1:5-7, 20:9 and other verses. The chorus “Before you formed me ...” comes between verses and at the end. The tune is on our web site.

Jeremiah is perhaps the most compassionate of all the Old Testament Prophets. He had a strong sense that God had called him personally, and that he’d been created with a task to do in this world.

But he also felt a dread of the fact that God would want him to speak a hard message to rebellious people. He found himself caught between telling the judgement of a holy God and expressing also the compassion that God feels for those who depart from his ways. Some have said he’s a depressive character - but I think it would be more accurate to say that he was a man who found God’s strength in his weakness.

Recently a colleague asked for songs for “Vocation Sunday” - to use when the theme of worship was the fact that God is calling people into the ministry of his church today. Jeremiah’s call (1:5-7) came to mind, and the hymn on this page was the result.

Not all of us are called to the ordained ministry. But all those who believe in Jesus and receive his Spirit are called into some particular area of service for God. Have you realized that God has called you?

John Hartley