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Testing the call Jeremiah 1:4-10  “Please God, can’t you find someone else to do this job? Just look at me – surely I’m not the one you really want. I lack patience, often my mouth runs ahead of my brain, I’ve been called abrasive by some, my temper gets me in trouble from time to time, I’m not always the most diplomatic, I can’t quote scripture from memory the way some folks can,– well, Lord, are you listening? O, I thought of another one – English isn’t even my first language!! How’s that, God?  I am definitely not your man. Call on someone who has the gifts you want and need!!!”  I just made up all that stuff, you know – it’s spoken by some imaginary person. However, the whole subject of my ‘call’ is very much on my mind at this time. As I write I’m aware of the fact that copies of this very bulletin, along with copies of my sermon for today , including a video, are going to be sent to: The Topeka District Committee on Ordained Ministry! The very title of that group is surely intended to strike abject fear into the hearts of those who must come before it! Among the 15-20 members are the District Superintendent, my Mentor, clergy colleagues and lay members. These folks will review my materials, and then interview me. In essence, the committee is responsible for determining if I’m “fit” to continue, if my license as a Local Pastor will be renewed for another year. So – can you see why my ‘call’ is on my mind?  Jeremiah was called, and he objected to God’s appointment. Ah, Lord God! Truly I do not know how to speak, for I am only a boy. (6) God would not take no for an answer. (I think that’s just typical of God, once God decides to call us.) It’s OK, Jeremiah, God says, it’s OK. You don’t need to be scared, even if you’re just a boy. I will take care of you, I will be there to love you and support you, and I’ll even give the right words to you. You don’t need to be afraid of them. Most assuredly those are words of comfort for Jeremiah, and for me, and for you. Being called by God is not reserved for clergy folks, as you well know. We are each called to respond to God’s work. From everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required; and from the one to whom much has been entrusted, even more will be demanded. (Luke 12:48, NRSV) A great deal is asked of us, but a great deal is also given to us, entrusted to us – freely.  The folks serving on that committee, clergy and lay people alike, know about their own doubts and fears, their own feelings of inadequacy in response to God’s call. So do we all, each in our own way, experience that which Jeremiah expresses in response to God’s call. But as with Jeremiah, God will reach out his hand and touch us, and God says to us: Now I have put my words in your mouth. (9) May those words coming out of my mouth, and yours,  be acceptable in God’s sight.  - Pastor Piet – August 26, 2007