The Prophet Jeremiah

The life and teachings of the prophet, Jeremiah, have given us a lot to think about this past week. During Thursday’s discussion of what we had learned so far, the following items popped out:

· Jeremiah’s calling: He was foreordained to be a prophet (see Jeremiah 1:5) and responded with humility to this calling (see Jeremiah 1:6-7).
· His prophetic warnings: Basically – continue in sin and await destruction OR repent and live! (References too numerous to list)
· True or false: There is a difference between true prophets and false prophets. Bethany remarked that false prophets are “more fun.” This prompted a lively debate!
· Fish stories (see Jeremiah 16:16): On Wednesday Alec Nethercott and Chris Barbour, recently returned missionaries from Norway and Spain, respectively, came to tell us their experiences as hunters and fishers of men. When students were asked to review their presentation, the overwhelming response was “AWESOME!” These two were/are humble hunters and faithful fishers!

After our discussion we all wrote a question relating to one of these topics. What follows is a sampling of those questions and some responses.

What is the difference between foreordination and pre-destination?Predestination means no matter what you do, the fate you suffer will be the same. Example: striving for perfection without the Atonement.
God knowing our personal nature does not keep us to a fixed outcome. We can change our human nature, as we live on earth, which changes our outcome but still means God knew that’s what we would have done.
God can read us like a book but the "denoument" (French for "conclusion") is controlled by the choices we make.
Chad Sellers

For what kind of callings could I be foreordained?
It depends on the type of person you are. You could be foreordained to be a prophet, or you could be foreordained to be a great father or mother.
Tyler Robinson

In a way, we all have a distinct purpose that may vary through different stages of our life. It is up to us whether we can prove to be a fine instrument in the hands of the Lord, and no instrument is less important than any other.
Ryan Palmer

That question is a little intimidating to me. As a woman I won’t be called to be a prophet, but even something that seems comparatively small, like a Young Women’s leader or president is a little worrisome. I know I’m barely adequate to fit the shoes I wear now. It’ll be hard to fill an even larger footprint later on.
Bethany Mathis

Why are true prophets better than false ones? (I think this question was prompted by Bethany’s tongue in cheek remark about false prophets being more fun…)
They help us to return to our Father in Heaven and they have a bigger perspective than we do, so they know what is best for us. They also communicate with God and speak for Him, whereas false prophets speak for themselves and do whatever is in their own best interests.
Ryan Reynolds

Why did Bethany think false prophets are more fun? (Bethany’s remark prompted yet another question…)
Because she was trying to be funny.
Brandon Mecham

How can I best be a fisher of men in the ocean of the Lord?
I can be a fisher of men in the Lord’s ocean by being a missionary at all times and by sharing the gospel with my non-member friends.
Stephanie Allred

-Be a good example. Just know that someone is always watching you.
-Speak kind words.
-Be friendly. Be there for people.
-Never go backward when you can carry on and go forward.
Erik Larson

I can be a fisher of men by not being afraid to talk to anyone about the gospel of Jesus Christ, by being open for every and all questions people have for me, and by being as educated as I can be about this gospel. By doing this I will be able to teach more people the words of the Lord and thus bring them into His fold.
Sara Eggers


I conclude with Brandon’s question. (It goes to show that sometimes, our questions are more important than our answers.)
Why was Jeremiah’s calling so important?
Jeremiah lived in a time of great wickedness, not unlike our own. His calling was vital in his day because he provided a warning voice – a call inviting people to forsake idolatry and return to the only true and living God (Jeremiah 3:12). He told the people not what they wanted to hear, but what they needed to hear!

True prophets call us to Christ! Having just returned from General Conference where we sustained our newly ordained prophet, Thomas S. Monson,(pictured at left) I can testify that he is truly God’s mouthpiece on the earth today. How thankful I am for the warning voices of both ancient and modern prophets. From their lips spring messages of mercy and calls of compassion.
Kathy Wood