Four Directives

In the first chapter in the book of Jeremiah, God says,

Do not say, ‘I am only a youth’; for to all to whom I send you, you shall go, and whatever I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you (vs. 7-8 ESV)

God continues in verse 9,

Behold, I have put my words in your mouth…

Then God clear give Jeremiah four directives for him to follow:

But you, dress yourself for work; arise, and say to them everything that I command you. Do not be dismayed by them, lest I dismay you before them. (v. 17 ESV)

Four Directives:

1. Dress yourself for work – literally means to “gird up your loins” or prepare yourself for work
2. Arise – he was told to get up and get ready
3. Say – he was only allowed to say those things that God told him to say
4. Do not be dismayed – as he works, God told him to not be troubled or to lose heart

Chapter one closes with some powerful words from the Lord,

They will fight against you, but they shall not prevail against you, for I am with you, declares the Lord, to deliver you

POINTS TO PONDER:

• Are you preparing yourself each day to do the work of the Lord?
• Are you willing to get up and go to work for Him?
• Do the words you say show you are allowing God to speak through you?
• Are you allowing other people or circumstances to trouble you or to cause you to lose heart?