Read Jeremiah 34
Highlights:
In Jeremiah 34 & 36 a loving Heavenly Father warns Israel of impending judgment for their continued sin so they may repent (36:1-3). No matter how often the wicked try to destroy the Word of God, it comes back, even stronger (36:32). The Rechabites are honored for their lifelong obedience (35:18-19).
The Egyptians appointed Jehoiakim king of Judah. Unlike his godly father, Jehoiakim was a cruel and ruthless king. 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.
The Lord spoke to Jeremiah, who recorded the judgment of God against the sins of Judah (Jer. 36:2). His purpose was to lead the people of God to repent of their sins (36:3).
The Roll (containing the Word of God) was read to three audiences — first, to the people in the Temple on a day of fasting (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 (sections) (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, nor rent their garments (36:24).
Fire can consume books (rolls), 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 (Matt. 7:21) who said: Why call ye Me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? . . . But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great (Luke 6:46,49).
We are also 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 (Heb. 10:25-27).
Thought for Today:
It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God (Matt. 4:4).
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 4:18-19).
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: Sen. Joe Manchin (WV), Sen. Bob Corker (TN), Rep. John Culberson (TX), Rep. Todd Young (IN), and Sen. Steve Pearce (NM) • Country: St. Vincent and The Grenadines (120,000) in the Lesser Antilles of the eastern Caribbean • Major languages: English and French patois • Religious freedom • 50% Protestant; 17% Roman Catholic; 2% spiritist • Prayer Suggestion: Pray to be sensitive to give God the praise for everything you do (Ps. 40:16).
Optional Reading:
Memory Verse for the Week:
2 Timothy 3:3
