Jeremiah 1:8Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Do not be fearful. I give the command, and you find yourself in fear? Consider the foresight of the Church. I am sending you out as sheep among wolves (Matthew 10:16). They did not inquire, Where are you sending us? Do you recognize the distinction between prophets and apostles? I am with you, I am with you, to rescue you. The presence of God with us does not automatically mean that He will save us. If that were the case, I would not have joined: He will indeed save you; yet, even without salvation, He remains with us. He is also with the martyrs, who are not saved, and alongside the righteous, permitting them to contend, and with Job during his trials with the adversary.

and when you communicate everything that I will reveal to you concerning the exile, the hunger, and the fatal disease, do not be intimidated by their countenance.

Do not be concerned with age, for as another prophet proclaimed, ‘A man's grey hairs are his wisdom,’ Prem. 4:9. If you are willing to proceed, I shall be by your side, and with My assistance you will accomplish all things: ‘Open thy mouth, and I will fulfil it,’ Ps. 80:11. Focus not on the crowd of those you may address, whether for or against you, but on Me, who stands with you to ensure your deliverance, says the Lord. The Lord's deliverance does not imply that the prophet experiences freedom from trials and tribulations; we know he endured much suffering. Rather, it means that through steadfastness, he triumphs over challenges and does not yield to adversity.

Do not allow yourself to be intimidated by their expressions, nor let fear take hold of you in their presence. The reason for your bravery is clearly revealed: “As I am with you, I am with you to rescue you, says the Lord.” This assurance was similarly given to the wise Moses. When he felt apprehensive about his calling and expressed, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh?” the Almighty replied, “I will be with you” (Ex. 3:11, 12). The same unquestionable promise was extended to the holy Apostles. Knowing their concerns about how eleven humble men, lacking eloquence, could possibly reach the entirety of the world, He addressed their doubts and dispelled their fears by proclaiming, “And behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matt. 28:19, 20). Likewise, He reassured the Prophet in saying, “As I am with you, I am with you to save you, says the Lord.”