This three-part chapter describes God’s unwillingness to relent from destroying His people, another ‘complaint’ from Jeremiah, and God’s promise to protect those those who are faithful to Him (specifically Jeremiah in this context).
” ‘If you return, I will restore you, and you shall stand before me. If you utter what is precious, and not what is worthless, you shall be as my mouth. They shall turn to you, but you shall not turn to them. And I will make you to this people a fortified wall of bronze; they will fight against you, but they shall not prevail over you, for I am with you to save you and deliver you, declares the Lord. I will deliver you out of the hand of the wicked, and redeem you from the grasp of the ruthless.’ ” (v19-21)
This promise made to Jeremiah extends to us today. If we remain close to God, obey Him, remain resolute in our commitment to Him, and testify of His lovingkindness and salvation through Jesus, we will be protected. The world will come against us, yet our spirits will not be crushed or removed from God’s presence. No power on earth can separate us from God once we receive salvation through Jesus’ sacrifice and fully commit to Him as King. The devil himself, no matter how cunning, cannot remove our names from the Lamb’s Book of Life.
Let’s stand firm on the promises of God. Yes, we will suffer greatly in this world. We will lose loved ones, we will suffer on every level, but our spirits cannot be removed from God’s protection as long as we cling to Him and uphold our end of the covenant. He promises our spirits will remain in His presence in eternity, and I’m willing to hang onto that promise – how about you?
Father God, our Loving and Forgiving Lord, thank you for Your steadfast goodness. You have made many promises to us through Your Word, including the promise of (spiritual) protection for those who remain loyal. May we embrace the gift of Your eternal presence granted through Jesus’ sacrifice, and may we share that great news with all who will listen. May we honor, obey and glorify You until our dying day, so we may help bring more souls into Your glorious presence. Amen.
~ Conqueror in Training