12 “Do not join in the schemes of the people and do not be afraid of the things that they fear.
13 Remember that I, the Lord Almighty, am holy; I am the one you must fear.
14 Because of my awesome holiness I am like a stone that people stumble over; I am like a trap that will catch the people of the kingdoms of Judah and Israel and the people of Jerusalem.
15 Many will stumble; they will fall and be crushed. They will be caught in a trap.”
16 You, my disciples, are to guard and preserve the messages that God has given me.
17 The Lord has hidden himself from his people, but I trust him and place my hope in him.
18 Here I am with the children the Lord has given me. The Lord Almighty, whose throne is on Mount Zion, has sent us as living messages to the people of Israel.