The Power of Preparation 2

"As for you, prepare yourself for action." (Jeremiah 1: 17)

What is entailed in preparation?

• Gird your loins like a man (Job 38:3; 40: 7)
  
• Gird up your loins (2 Kings 4: 29; 9: 1)
  
• Gird up your loins and speak to them (Jeremiah 1: 17)
  
• Gird up your minds (1 Peter 1: 13)
  
• Feet shod with preparation for the Gospel (Ephesians 6: 15)
  

Message of Jeremiah 1: 17 – 19:

• Stand firm
  
• You will have enemies among the people, including the powerful among them
  
• The Lord is more powerful than all of them
  
• The Lord will protect you
  
• You must be faithful especially in two things:
  
  • Speak only my words
    
  • Speak it fearlessly
    

What does the call to service of Jeremiah 1: 17 – 19 include?

1. High energy – Prepare yourself for action
   
2. Obedience – Speak only what God commands you
   
3. Thoroughness – Speak "all" that God commands you
   
4. Fearlessness – Cowardice is sin
   

Note the assurance of Divine protection in Jeremiah 1: 18:

"For it is I this day

who have made you a fortified city,

A pillar of iron, a wall of brass,

against the whole land:

Against Judah's kings and princes,

against its priests and people."

 

The assurance of Divine protection is given in a succession of strong images so that no one can miss its importance and certainty.