Passage Read: Jeremiah 1-4
Meditation Verses: 1:17-19
Thought
Jeremiah received this great promise from God, but it also came with a warning. He must not be terrified by the people God would send him to. Though his message might, would incite many to wrath against him, he must not hold back or shrink back. If he let the fear of them get the better of him, the Lord promised to be a greater terror to him, in front of their faces. God would protect him, though the people fought against him. He wasn't promised favor and appreciation, but hostility. They would attack him, but God would not allow them to prevail against him.
Application
Jeremiah had cause to fear, but also a promise that those who opposed him would not be able to kill him. He was indestructible, in a real sense, but not untouchable. There was reason to fear, but he needed to trust the Lord and not give way to fear. I don't have that promise, I have a promise of eternal life. When this life ends, I have one that can never be destroyed. But that doesn't mean I won't get hurt or killed. That's my fear. And embarrassment. If I give way to fear, I should not be surprised if God then turns and terrifies me publicly. I too can not give way to fear, though there are things to be afraid of. I must trust the Lord and accept my fate, because there is a greater reward beyond this life.