In this sermon for VST Sunday, a regular Sunday in which we feature leadership in worship from the Vancouver School of Theology, Dr. Mari Joerstad preaches on the call of Jeremiah. Dr. Joerstad opens by declaring that this text, from Jeremiah 1:4-10, is one we often have “warm” feelings about. It seems like a comforting text to us. We like it.

But place this Scripture passage in its context, and we actually discover quite a different situation. Jeremiah is between a rock and a hard place. He is definitely in need of the promise of divine assistance. And what does he get? A promise of the company of God. Dr. Joerstad confesses, if she were in Jeremiah’s shoes, she would want more. Signs and wonders! Big intervention!

She then goes on to describe her own situation during this COVID season, and how she feels about “company” right about now, before exhorting the congregation to practice receiving God’s company ourselves, now and always.