Highlights In Today's Reading:
Don't miss the underlying emphasis in Chapters 34 and 35. It is a contrast between obedience and disobedience. The Lord, who never changes, clearly outlines His judgment on the one and His rewards for the other. Jeremiah is so faithful to God that he writes everything God tells him on a scroll.Then King Jehoiakim brazenly burns the scroll (36:21-23). But no one can destroy the inspired Word of God. Jeremiah writes it again and we get to read it (36:27-32)..
Four years after the Egyptians appointed Johoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar defeated the Egyptians and invaded Jerusalem, and Jehoiakim became his slave. Nebuchadnezzar took some of the Israelites — including Daniel and his three friends — and carried away some of the golden vessels from the Temple. Unlike his godly father Josiah, Jehoiakim was a cruel and ruthless king.
The Lord spoke to Jeremiah who recorded the judgment of God against the sins of Judah (36:2). His purpose was to lead the people of God to repent of their sins (36:3).
The scroll was read to three audiences; first to the people on a fast day in the Temple (36:6-10). Nothing is said concerning the reaction of the people. It was then read to the princes responsible for the administration of government (36:11-19). They were dismayed and terrified by the prophet's message and reported the matter to the king (36:16-18).
Following this, the king sent Jehudi to fetch the roll (36: 20-21). After Jehudi had read three or four leaves (36:23), Jehoiakim flew into a rage. He snatched it from the reader and cut it with the penknife. The word cut implies the action was repeated several times. Then he cast it into the fire.
Neither the king, nor any of his servants that heard all these words, were repentant, nor rent their garments (36:24).
Fire can consume books but it cannot consume the inspired Word of God. Then the Word of the Lord came to Jeremiah, after that the king had burned the roll . . . Take thee again another roll, and write in it all the former words that were in the first roll (36:27-28). The Bible has withstood similar fierce attacks for centuries. Our destiny in eternity is dependent upon our obedience to our Creator who said: Heaven and earth shall pass away: but My Words shall not pass away (Luke 21:33).
We too are warned: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together . . . but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation (Hebrews 10:25-27).
Thought for Today:
Although the majority of people don't want to hear or read the Word of God, it is still God's only Guide for life.
Christ Revealed:
As the One who desires foregiveness, repentance, and liberty for all in bondage (Jeremiah 36:3). Jesus said: The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me . . . to preach the Gospel (Luke 4:18-19).
Word Studies:
34:5 burnings =b> ceremonial incense burning; 35:19 not want =b> be without.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Staff: Gina Lesnefsky • Government Officials: Sen. Bob Corker (TN), Rep. John Culberson (TX), Gov. Joe Manchin III (WV), Rep. Steve Pearce (NM), and Sen. Jon Tester (MT) • Country: Chile (15 million) on the southwestern coast of South America • Major language: Spanish • Religious freedom • 73% Catholic; 20% Protestant; 1% Other; 6% None • Prayer Suggestion: Humble yourself, pray, and seek the will of God as you read His Word (II Chron. 7:14).
Optional Reading: 2 John 1
Memory Verse for the Week: Romans 8:18