If there's one thing you never want to hear from God's lips, it's this: “You, gird up your loins!” This is a warning that battle is coming, that you will need all of your agility and strength and protection in place, because it's going to get ugly. Jeremiah's ministry will be one long fight – a fight to be heard, a fight to convince the brainwashed, a fight to survive the pushback of violent people.
And God knew from before the moment of conception, that Jeremiah was the man who could handle it. In response to Jeremiah's protest that he didn't know how to speak, God says, “that's what YOU think! EYE know what you are capable of, and with my help, you are capable of plucking up and pulling down nations and kingdoms. In my hands, you are a fortified city, an iron pillar, a bronze wall. Do not be afraid - they will fight against you; but they shall NOT prevail against you. YOU are my appointed messenger to the stubborn people of Judah.”
And to us, God's stubborn people of today, God has sent another serious messenger, his Son Jesus. From before the moment of CREATION, God knew that his son would handle NOT prevailing against the people, but this time, SUBMITTING to them. Jesus was serious enough to die on the cross to deliver his message, and then, on the third day, rose to new life, accomplishing God's plan of salvation.
And now, WE are witnesses to what Jesus has done. We have the words of God in our mouths. We are now appointed to gird up our loins, and confront the stubbornness and violence of OUR culture. And like Jeremiah, we can count on God to deliver us.
Heavenly Father, we thank you for your patience with us in this plentiful land. Keep us unafraid to deliver your message to the people around us, the message of your amazing love as shown through your Son Jesus Christ, in his name we pray. Amen.