Monday: Jeremiah’s Family Background
Read 1 Kings 1:1-53 and 1 Kings 2:26. What was the background that led to the exile of Abiathar to his home in Anathoth?
After he strengthened his throne, Solomon, in a conflict with Adonijah over succession, removed Abiathar the priest from his office and sent him into exile back to his hometown, Anathoth, believed to be about three miles northeast of Jerusalem.
Image © Providence Collection from GoodSalt.com
Hilkiah, Jeremiah’s father, was a member of a priestly family that lived at Anathoth. Some have speculated that Jeremiah’s family may have descended from Abiathar. Either way, we know from Jeremiah 1:1 that the prophet had an exalted lineage. Thus, we can see here that all through prophetic history, the Lord has called all types of people-shepherds, rabbis, fishermen, priests-to the prophetic office.
A member of the Levitical priesthood, Jeremiah had been trained from childhood for holy service. In those happy years of preparation he little realized that he had been ordained from birth to be ‘a prophet unto the nations;’ and when the divine call came, he was overwhelmed with a sense of his unworthiness. ‘Ah, Lord God!’ he exclaimed, ‘behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child.’ Jeremiah 1:5-6.
-Ellen G. White, Prophets and Kings, p. 407.
The priests were to be the moral and spiritual leaders of the nation; they had been given important roles that impacted most every area of the nation’s spiritual life. Some had been faithful to that task; others abused and violated it in ways that we can’t imagine. As we will soon read in the book of Jeremiah, the prophet had very strong words to speak against these unfaithful priests, who had proved unworthy of the responsibilities and calling that they had been entrusted with.
What are your spiritual responsibilities, whether at home or in the church or both or anywhere else? If a prophet were to speak to you now about those responsibilities, what might he or she say?
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That prophets are drawn from diverse backgrounds tells us social or educational status or religious pedigree (heritage or lineage) is not a test of qualification for the role. Perhaps the one essential requirement is willingness to submit to the prophet Maker.
The prophet may make use of skills already acquired, knowledge previously obtained or experience hitherto gained in the service of God, but does not rely on his/her own competence. A true prophet understands he/she is only the messenger that follows instructions.
Many who hold qualifications conferred by the world or assumed based on inherited status disqualify themselves by placing confidence in what they have or have acquired, instead of trusting the plain instructions of the message Giver.
It is no wonder the truth is more often communicated through the unaccomplished and weak human instruments, such as the twelve disciples and early advent believers.
Not everything the prophets say is necessarily inspired (1 Corinthians 7:6, 12, 25, 40; 2 Corinthians 8:8); for they too must grow in grace and knowledge (2 Peter 3:18; 1 Corinthians 13:9-12). No single prophet understands everything, including the full import of the messages given (Daniel 12:8, 9).
Still true prophets do not go against scripture or lead others astray (Jeremiah 14:14, 15). They would rather have their own word or opinion discounted or set aside than to mislead another soul in even a small measure. As well they recognize the work of the Holy Spirit through others (Acts 2:16-18).
Always compare the word of one prophet with other prophets if in doubt about the message.
Adding only this..."To the Law and the Testimony, if they speak not according to this word, there is no light in them." When wholly surrendered and dependent upon God, He will speak through even the weakest and least likely vessel who lives by faith.
I view Jeremiah as a model or generalization of our individual call as God's messenger in whatever gifts He has endowed us with to be maximized in the ministry for others. Jeremiah was a priest by birth et al and that does not mean that we cannot be called by Yahweh as prophet as stated by scriptures calling prophets from all walks and works of life. For example:
1). Daniel who never was a priest nor a graduate of the school of the prophets is one of the major prophets. He was government official of the highest order if in
British colony would be Governor General or if in modern government would be Prime Minister or President of a state.Him being a prince suited him for civil governance and as a prophet as well.
2). Jeremiah was a priest so it suited him well to be a prophet in a time of spiritual decline.
The most important criteria to being a successful messenger of God is to use your lineage genetic gifts and spiritual gifts to know which ministry best maximizes your potential as a messenger, just like Nehemiah a wine bearer et al as evident in scriptures.
When God calls He qualifies and equips the messenger and using his/her talents either born with or developed to the Glory of God. We should not worry nor be disheartened by any lack of knowledge, talent, and gift or qualifications, for it is your availability that comes first and then God mixes it with your capabilities as a compliment. However, availability must be first so that capability does not lure us to proud and pride. It is Divinity plus humanity that will progress God's work to unimaginable success as a messenger or as a church.
Jeremiah was obedient to God!! He called sin where he saw it unlike a lot of ministers today who tiptoe around it because they want the approval of man more than obedience to God!!! Just look around signs are everywhere has there ever been a time more crucial than now that the whole unadulterated truth need to be preached? Smooth sermons, political correctness,popularity,or whatever the reasons pastors are not fulfilling their roles as shepherds must be addressed!! And the whole world wondered after the beast !! Have anyone seen the news look at newspapers look at covers of magazines lately what commonality do they share? It's time we wake up !!!!!
All prophets were called to service from different backgrounds depending on God's will. My question now is, with our modern era, we are seeing that most of spiritual shepherds (esp. pastors)are coming from the elite families (those with strong cash backgrounds),those who can afford to pay for the fees on SDA theological college.
Are we not getting lost on this? because even if the poor had a calling, they cannot pay the so required amount thus we are having more pastors talking of the so called controversial issues (failing to call sin by name). Are we not going to be the same with our neighbour churches where one becomes a pastor cause he had failed on life supporting jobs, not by calling from God?
I think we should go back to the old times where pastors were chosen from calling from God and volunteer to work for the house of God even without an appraisal from congregants. By the need of more money in our theological colleges, there is a big loop of accommodating vultures who can afford and our salvation will be at stake. May God Bless you all.
I think George is right, Hope that shall be taken serious!!!
Is there a need of Prophet nowadays ?
The Lord Jesus was, is and will forever in control of his church. One can still serve the Lord as an Asher! At present God is looking for vessels through whom he can peach the Gospel.. pastors & laymen whatever our station in life(2Tm 2:20-21)
Regards
Austin
Linda, the answer is, only God knows what we need. The bible has everything Spiritual that is needed from our vantage point. What is really needed is a major change in the society that we live in. A repentant heart and a turning away from the allurements that separate us from our Heavenly Father.
Linda, the answer is found in seeing what God has sent to His people for this time.
What was brought through Ellen's pen(a messenger, not a prophet, according to her own admission) will be sufficient until Jesus comes again. We have a work to do and have been given every advantage to understand and fulfill it. God only waits for the generation who will respond in faithful obedience out of love for Him and our neighbor.
Revelation 7:1-3 is where we are presently as symbolized in prophecy.