Today’s reading: Jeremiah 1:17-19
Jeremiah was called by God to be a prophet. And prophets are among those who are holy warriors. They are God’s spokespersons, and they assault the enemy with their prophetic words. As they engage powerful spiritual enemy forces, they are often the targets for assault, oppression and persecution.
God’s instructions to the prophet Jeremiah are relevant to those who are called to be holy warriors.
First, “prepare yourself” (v.17a). Know who you are and what you are called to be. You are a holy instrument of God, sent to do battle for His Kingdom. Strive for holiness. Be equipped with weapons of righteousness and with the armor of God. Know the enemy. Be prepared to suffer and even die for the cause of Christ.
Second, “stand up and tell them” (v.17b). As a warrior you are not to sit or lounge around, away from the battlefront. Rather, go and face the enemy.
Third, tell them “all that I command you.” (v.17c). Proclaim the truth. Proclaim the full gospel. Tell people of their sin, to be able to lead them to repentance. Speak of God’s love, especially for the poor and the least. Do not be politically correct.
Fourth, “do not be terrified on account of them” (v.17d). Be not afraid, for God is with you. You do face a formidable enemy, both spiritual as well as the earthly forces the devil musters. They can beat you up, so be willing to suffer. Never abandon the cause. No retreat and no surrender. Otherwise you betray the cause of Christ. If that happens, you become the enemy within, and God will turn the tables on you, as God warns, “or I will terrify you before them” (v.17e).
When we do the above, what does God do for us?
One, we are protected. “For I am the one who today makes you a fortified city, a pillar of iron, a wall of bronze, against the whole land” (v.18a). Impregnable! The enemy cannot prevail against God’s holy warriors. No matter who our enemies are, both secular and even ecclesiastical persons of power, God will be there for us, “against Judah’s kings and princes, its priests and the people of the land.” (v.18b).
Two, we are victorious. “They will fight against you, but not prevail over you” (v.19a). Jesus already won victory on the cross. He already crushed the head of the serpent. We share in that victory. And even as there will be perilous times, and times of seeming defeat, Jesus assures us, “I am with you to deliver you” (v.19b).
Onward, holy warriors!
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