Bible Pathway - Aug. 24, 2012
Read Jeremiah 34
Highlights:
Jeremiah's warning to Zedekiah; scroll read by Jehudi and destroyed by King Jehoiakim.
So the king sent Jehudi to fetch the roll . . . And it came to pass, that when Jehudi had read three or four leaves, he (Jehoiakim) cut it with the penknife, and cast it into the fire that was on the hearth, until all the roll was consumed in the fire (Jer. 36:21,23).
Jehudi read Jeremiah's prophecy that the king of Babylon would again come and destroy the kingdom of Judah, leaving neither man nor beast. Instead of humbling himself and crying out to God, King Jehoiakim's anger became uncontrollable, and he stopped the reading after he had heard only three or four leaves. He then destroyed the roll by cutting it with a penknife and casting it into the fire. Blinded by his unbelief, he sealed his own death by willfully rejecting and destroying the Word of God (36:29-30). Many believe by simply disbelieving the Word of God they can invalidate it. That is like saying, “If I ignore the rain, I won't get wet.” If he had accepted the Truth of God's Word, the outcome could possibly have been different. And ye shall know the Truth, and the Truth shall make you free (John 8:32).
The Bible is the perfect Word of God. He warns those who would attempt to make even the smallest change: If any man shall take away from the words of the Book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the Book of Life (Rev. 22:19). There have been thousands, like Jehoiakim, who have attempted to destroy the Word of God by burning Bibles and killing Christians. Their names have been forgotten, but God's Word continues to remain the most sought-after Book year after year.
The Bible is the number one best selling book of all time. It has been translated into more languages than any other book. Volumes and volumes of other books have been written giving clarification of its meaning. It inspires millions to change their lives for the better. Those who read, study, and accept its words will be rewarded with wisdom, peace, comfort, and a closer relationship to God than they could have imagined possible. For the Word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart (Heb. 4:12). The Word of God is not just a book. It is the life-giving words of the True and Living God.
Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My words shall not pass away (Luke 21:33).
Thought for Today:
Those who seek counsel from God and His Word avoid deception.
Christ Revealed:
As the One who desires forgiveness, repentance, and liberty for all who are in bondage (Jer. 36:3). Jesus said: The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me . . . to preach the Gospel (Luke 4:18).
Word Studies:
34:5 burnings, ceremonial incense burning, to honor the dead (especially kings) at their funerals (II Chr. 16:14); 35:19 not want, never be without.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Staff: Gina Lesnefsky • Government Officials: Rep. Todd Young (IN), Rep. Steve E. Pearce (NM), Sen. Bob Corker (TN), Rep. John Abney Culberson (TX), and Sen. Joseph Manchin III (WV) • Country: Seychelles (79,000) a group of islands in the Indian Ocean between Madagascar and India • Major languages: English and French • Religious freedom • 89% Roman Catholic; 8% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Confess any sins in your life so that your prayers can be heard (Ps. 66:18-19).
Optional Reading: 2 John 1
Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 18:2
