Jeremiah 1

“They will fight against you, but they shall not prevail against you, for I am with you, declares the LORD, to deliver you” (v19). God called Jeremiah the prophet to a most difficult task: to be a “prophet to the nations” and to speak God’s own words (v5-9). Judah (southern Israel) was in turmoil; they had embraced idolatry, and King Josiah was trying to reform them, but they were also caught between the Egyptian and Babylonian empires. Into this mess, God sent Jeremiah to declare truth to power, no matter the consequences.

“Do not be afraid of them …” (v8). When we fear God more than earthly powers, we have the courage to follow His ways, no matter the cost.