“The Lord gave me a message: ‘I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as My prophet to the nations.'”
“O Sovereign Lord, I said, ‘I can’t speak for you! I am too young!'”
“The Lord replied,’Don’t say, I’m too young, for your must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you. And don’t be afraid of people, for I will be with you and will protect you. I, the Lord, have spoken!’ Then the Lord reached out and touched my mouth and said,
‘Look, I have put My words in you mouth! Today I appoint you to stand up against nations and kingdoms. Some you must uproot and tear down, destroy and overthrow. Others you must build up and plant.’
“Then the Lord said to me, ‘Look, Jeremiah” What do you see? ‘
“And I replied, ‘I see a branch form an almond tree.”
“And the Lord replied,’That’s right, and it means that I am watching, and will certainly carry out all my plans.'” (vv. 1-12, NLT)
“‘Get up and prepare for action. Go out and tell them everything I tell you to say. Do not be afraid of them, or I will make you look foolish in front of them. For see, today I have made you strong like a fortified city that cannot be captured, like an iron pillar or a bronze wall. You will stand against the whole land – the kings, officials, priests, and people of Judah.
They will fight you, but they will fail. For I am with you, and I will take care of you.
I, the Lord have spoken!'” (vv. 17-19, NLT)