Read Jeremiah 37 – 40
Highlights:
See 4 kinds of people! The wicked who hate and hurt those who stand for God and His Word (37:11-16; 38:1-6); the disobedient who want God's help without repenting or changing (37:1-3,17; 38:14,20-21); Jeremiah, the faithful one who willingly suffers for God (40:1-6); and the compromiser, the "puppet" governor (40:5-16).
When Jeremiah was entered into the dungeon, and into the cabins, and Jeremiah had remained there many days; Then Zedekiah the king sent, and took him out: and the king asked him secretly in his house, and said, Is there any word from the LORD? And Jeremiah said, There is: for, said he, thou shalt be delivered into the hand of the king of Babylon (Jer. 37:16-17).
There is no doubt that there is a Word from the Lord. As a matter of fact, in examining the Old Testament of the King James Version of the Holy Bible, the statement The Word of the Lord came unto me or similar words, are recorded more than 3,800 times. As a matter of fact, in this same version of the Holy Bible, there are 773,692 words from the Lord. They are recorded in 31,173 verses. These verses are located in 1,189 chapters. Those chapters are then found in 66 books. The books are divided into two major sections which are called the Old Testament and the New Testament.
What Zedekiah had wondered was if there were a Word of the Lord for him. Jeremiah answered the king with a resounding yes. He didn't have to wonder anymore. Likewise, with the above information, there is no doubt that the Lord left a Word for us as well. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness (2 Tim. 3:16).
Without question, the Word of God is meant to speak to us today. The Lord intended His Word to be for our “reproof, correction and instruction” just as much as Paul intended it to be for Timothy's. We must learn to allow God's Word to do the job for which it was created. It is intended to be a life manual to guide humans to Christ. Once they have obtained redemption, then it should still be a moral guide in their daily lives.
To many today, the Word of God has very little value. They don't understand that this Bible is God's Word to mankind. It is as if God is speaking to man in the flesh.
Many shy away from it today. They say it is outdated in its laws and statutes. They believe that maybe, at one time, it was relevant to society, but that was years ago. Others may hold to parts of the Bible, but leave the rest behind. The truth is, we need the whole Bible in today's society to live our lives as believers for Christ. For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek (Rom. 1:16).
It is the Bible that guides man to the cross of Calvary. It is through the Word of God that the sins of man are revealed. It is through the reading and studying of God's Word that the unbeliever finds his way to the path to salvation.
For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God (1 Cor. 1:18).
Thought for Today:
Following a false way ultimately comes to a bitter end.
Christ Revealed:
By Jeremiah, who stood as a faithful witness to the revealed will of God (Jer. 38:2-9). Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the council, sought false witness (testimony) against Jesus, to put Him to death (Matt. 26:59).
Word Studies:
37:16 cabins, cells; 38:4 weakeneth the hands of, discourages; 38:12 cast clouts, worn-out clothes; 38:19 mock, abuse; 39:18 for a prey, as a prize; 40:4 forbear, do what you prefer.
Prayer Suggestion: Pray for our nation, that it would truly be a Christian nation (Ps. 67:1-7).
Optional Reading: 3 John 1
Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 90:12