The Lord promises to be with us in the battle, as we warn sinners.

First, the Lord God will bring judgment upon this world [vs14]. “Then the LORD said to me, “Disaster from the north will be poured out on all who live in the land.” Israel was chastened sore and many were delivered to death. Jeremiah's prophecy speaks of two things: One, the chastisement of the elect - saints and sinners - until we come to Christ. Two, the damnation of the wicked - hypocrite and every evil worshiper. Do not let this come upon you.

It will not be easy to bear! So many play with religion, blinded by Satan, and they don’t know what’s happening to them. The rich man glories in his riches but perishes forever. “Thus says the Lord: ‘Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, Let not the mighty man glory in his might, Nor let the rich man glory in his riches.” God is not One to be played with, but to be feared, loved, and obeyed (Jer 9:23).

Hearken, while you can. Do not lose your soul. Do not refuse to heed the warnings. Be careful. Repent!

Secondly, judgement comes because of our evil [vs16]. “I will pronounce My judgments against them for all their wickedness, because they have forsaken Me to burn incense to other gods and to worship the works of their own hands.” It is not because God is unjust, unrighteous, or has caused us to sin. Let no man blame God. He tempts no one - “When tempted, no one should say, ‘God is tempting me.’ For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone [James 1:13].” He does good. He would not sacrifice the Lord Jesus Christ - the Most Beautiful Son of God - if there was evil in Him. He wouldn’t go through that to save others - to bear our sins in His own body on the tree - if He was unjust. He would not weep over sinners in the Person of Jesus Christ, if He was unfair.

Man is punished because he rebels. “Only this have I found: I have discovered that God made men upright, but they have sought out many schemes [Eccl 7:22].” Men abandon God and go after idols. These are the work of our hands - our silver and gold. These are the false teachings passed down by our parents, as generation after generation is deluded. Satan has deceived us and made Christ to be unknown. “The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers so they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God [2 Cor 4:4].”

Hearken while you can, because this destruction is coming. God’s wrath was poured on Christ, and if we don’t have Christ, then He must afflict us permanently. Oh, how AWFUL it is, and we ought to weep and plead with this generation, but it is coming for certain, and nothing will stop it but repentance. Be wise.

Thirdly, tell them EVERYTHING that He says, holding back nothing as faithful messengers (vs17). “Get yourself ready. Stand up and tell them everything that I command you. Do not be intimidated by them, or I will terrify you before them.” We must never fear offending, but lovingly say all the truth, sparing not for their tears. We must be willing to suffer, because Christ saved us, and we owe Him our lives! “You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God [1 Cor 6:19-20].” He redeemed us.

Too many want salvation without service, but salvation INCLUDES becoming His witnesses [Acts 1:8]. We haven’t been saved to live for self, so deny yourself, Oh believer, and live for Him. Be faithful to Him. Seek grace to honor Him, and turn the keys of your life over. He will give you joy in doing His will by the forgiveness of sins. The bones that He’s broken will rejoice (Ps 51:8).

Finally, They will hate and despise you (vs19)! “They will fight against you but will never overcome you, since I am with you to deliver you,” declares the LORD.” They will call you names and perhaps kill you. They will not like being reproved, because they are stubborn and ready to perish. If they’d kill the Only Son, then what will they do with you? He said, “Remember the word that I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you as well [John 15]. If they hated the Perfect Master, then how will they receive us? But, we have the power of God. He is with us to deliver us, and that’s all that matters - not what man says, but God’s peace in the soul. He says, “Now behold, this day I have made you a fortified city, an iron pillar, and bronze walls against the whole land—against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests, and the people of the land [vs18].” And, “If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you [1 Pet 4:14].” Live for Christ and enjoy Him forever. Let Him be your reward.