Today's Daily Lesson comes from Jeremiah chapter 1 verses 17 through 19:
17 But you, gird up your loins; stand up and tell them everything that I command you. Do not break down before them, or I will break you before them. 18 And I for my part have made you today a fortified city, an iron pillar, and a bronze wall, against the whole land—against the kings of Judah, its princes, its priests, and the people of the land. 19 They will fight against you; but they shall not prevail against you, for I am with you, says the Lord, to deliver you.
Jeremiah is called to prophesy before the king. He is called to prophesy against the nation.
Like most Biblical calls, this one is initially resisted. "I am just a boy," he says.
But the LORD has no patience for excuses. "Do not say, 'I am only a boy.' For you shall go to all to whom I send you, and you shall speak whatever I command you."
So the LORD steels young Jeremiah, like a "fortified city", and an "iron pillar", and a "bronze wall".
There is an irony here in these metaphors. The fortified city of Jerusalem will fall. Its pillars will be razed. It's wall run through. Yet, the LORD says, Jeremiah will be stronger than all these. Jeremiah will survive. He will withstand.
The things made of human hands crumble. Nations rise and fall. Pillars that have set upon courthouse lawns for 50, or 100, or 150 years are torn down -- for they are idols. Fortified cities fall from within.
But the human spirit is indomitable. It is brave. It is strong. It is a survivor.
And so are you. Remember that.
Remember it when the walls fall in and you are the only thing left standing.
NOTE: We are reading the whole Bible through this year. We've entered the harsh yet hopeful words of Jeremiah. Tomorrow's Lesson will come from chapters 4-6.
No comments:
Post a Comment