Stand up and Say

Jeremiah 1:17-19 "Get yourself ready! Stand up and say to them whatever I command you.  Do not be terrified by them or I will terrify you before them.  Today I have made you a fortified city, an iron pillar and a bronze wall to stand against the whole land--- against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests and the people of the land.  They will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you and will rescue you," declares the Lord.

To begin the Lord open with an imperative to his servant, "Get yourself ready!" There is a lot for Jeremiah to prepare himself for.  First he needs to mentally prepare.  This would include understanding what purpose or end Jeremiah was trying to accomplish, which in turn means we as readers need to know his context historically.  Jeremiah lived in Judah which was the southern nation of the formerly united kingdom Israel.  During Jeremiah's time the call of the prophets was to be a mouthpiece to the people and call for repentance and righteous living.  This would mean Jeremiah was to encourage justice in people's lives and adherence to the Torah.  He would also constantly remind the people that they were the covenant people of God.  Jeremiah's purpose was to be a constant mouthpiece for God to the people and deliver his message in its fulness.  The role of a prophet does not draw many influential or even lasting friends all the time.  There are exceptions of course but it would be safe to say that Jeremiah had to be prepared to lose worldly standing among his peers.  Thirdly he had to be totally ready to receive for himself the declarations of God.  If the prophet does not actually receive or refuses in part the declaration of God then what use is he/she as a mouthpiece of the Lord to the people?  None as a prophet.  This segues nicely into the next sentence.

Another imperative given by the Lord.  "Stand up and say...."  Let's stop here for a second.  How often have you not only been encouraged to say what you believe in the face of those who do not share your same beliefs, but also do it boldly for all to see?  Now if you have been encouraged in this way did you actually do it?  It is quite easy to hold beliefs when those around you share the same beliefs or convictions as you do, but if your audience changes to one of opposing views it is difficult.  Jeremiah is commanded not only to do this, but to say things not of himself.  This means that the declarations of truth he will be relaying to others are not know to him yet in their entirety.  The easiest word to glaze over at this point is the word "whatever".  In this case whatever is used to emphasize the absence of restriction.  The Lord has much to declare about man different things, and therefore Jeremiah must also declare these to many different people in many different situations.  Still trekking with me?

As if reading Jeremiah's mind the Lord then says, "Do not be terrified by them or I will terrify you before them."  So unlike what Yoda teaches us Star Wars fans fear leads not to anger, but rather fear leads to more fear.  It is easy to know what to say but it is harder to say it.  The small acts of courage are more difficult than talking a big game among friends.  Jeremiah had to have courage.

God has made Jeremiah into a fortified city, iron pillar, and bronze wall.  Does that make any sense to you?  I would like to point out that all of these are stationary and defense oriented works.  Jeremiah is not made to go out and attack, but to stand against the tides of those around him.  Those he stands against include the kings, officials, priests (covering all three majors sectors of the Judean hierarchy) and the people!  Jeremiah is not a champion of the king or the peasant.  All will be addressed and asked to repent.

It is because of this demand for repentance and righteous living that most will attack Jeremiah.  Those in power like to maintain the status quo, and those not in power rarely if ever actually desire power without envy for those who do.  In the most basic way it is helpful to remember that whether you are rich or poor powerful or weak you still cannot save yourself or others from death because of sin.  I digress.  Jeremiah will and is attacked from all sides, because of his obedience.  The Lord, however, does not leave him out on his own though.  No the Lord is right there with Jeremiah through it all.  The Lord rescues Jeremiah from the onslaught, because the Lord is greater than all foes of his followers.

I write all this to remind you and myself that like Jeremiah we are called to stand up and say the truth the Lord has given us.  This truth is the life of Jesus Christ and the reality of our salvation by his love.  The Spirit is always with us and is greater than our fears.  We have much to say and our words can be made more evident in our actions.  This is hard.  We will war within ourselves over how to live this life we have in Christ.  I can only tell you to continue to fight the good fight, because it is as far as I myself have come.  I stumble over my words and actions, and forget to fear God alone.  I write this as a reminder.

Remember Jeremiah.
Remember Christ
Remember the Spirit
Remember who you are.

Blessings