Scripture Reading: Jeremiah 46:6-7
O thou sword of the LORD, how long will it be ere thou be quiet? put up thyself into thy scabbard, rest, and be still. How can it be quiet, seeing the LORD hath given it a charge against Ashkelon, and against the sea shore? there hath he appointed it.
Reflection: The Philistines had been a thorn in the flesh of Israel. Will they always keep Israel under subordination? The prophetic voice of Jeremiah says no only if Israel as a sword will cease resting in its scabbard. A scabbard is a sheath that hangs by the waist of a soldier for keeping a sword or dagger. As long as the soldier allows his/her sword to lie quiet in its scabbard, he/she misses the opportunity to oppose the enemy and therefore remains under the control of the enemy. Your life as a Sword of the Lord must no longer rest quietly in its scabbard. Your prophetic mandate is to get out of your scabbard! The rule of any ‘Philistine’ in your life must not continue. The sword, remember, is your prayer life. There is victory ahead! Keep to your prophetic mandate (Jeremiah 51:20-24).
Confession: I am out of the scabbard!