7. “Don't say you're too young,” the Lord answered. “If I tell you to go and speak to someone, then go! And when I tell you what to say, don't leave out a word!
8. I promise to be with you and keep you safe, so don't be afraid.”
9. The Lord reached out his hand, then he touched my mouth and said, “I am giving you the words to say,
10. and I am sending you with authority to speak to the nations for me. You will tell them of doom and destruction, and of rising and rebuilding again.”
11. The Lord showed me something in a vision. Then he asked, “What do you see, Jeremiah?”I answered, “A branch of almonds that ripen early.”
12. “That's right,” the Lord replied, “and I always rise early to keep a promise.”
13. Then the Lord showed me something else and asked, “What do you see now?”I answered, “I see a pot of boiling water in the north, and it's about to spill out towards us.”
14. The Lord said:I will pour out destructionall over the land.
15. Just watch while I sendfor the kings of the north.They will attack and captureJerusalem and other towns,then set up their thronesat the gates of Jerusalem.
16. I will punish my people,because they are guiltyof turning from meto worship idols.
17. Jeremiah, get ready!Go and tell the peoplewhat I command you to say.Don't be frightened by them,or I will make you terrifiedwhile they watch.
18. My power will make you stronglike a fortressor a column of ironor a wall of bronze.You will oppose all of Judah,including its kings and leaders,its priests and people.
19. They will fight back,but they won't win.I, the Lord, give my word—I won't let them harm you.