Today’s Reading, Jeremiah 35-37
Focal Scripture: Jeremiah 36:3 “As soon as Jehudi would read three or four columns, Jehoiakim would cut the scroll with a scribe’s knife and throw the columns into the fire in the hearth until the entire scroll was consumed by the fire in the hearth.”
The Bible matters. The words contained in it are special not because of the words themselves but because God is using them to direct, teach, rebuke, encourage, and give life to people. It matters because the Bible gives us a clear history of our faith. It shows the journey that our ancestors have went through and the trials that have lead to where we are today. The Bible matters because it shows our past but also declares our future.
In today’s reading we see where Jeremiah’s words were written down and delivered to the King. These words were not full of good news. It was a rebuke and poignant statement about the future destruction of the kingdoms. Instead of the king taking the word that was given to him to heart he decided to burn it in a fire. Why? Because he didn’t like what he heard. The written word of God was offensive to him and he rebelled against it publicly.
Before you are too harsh with the King let’s be honest and admit that we do the same thing in our lives. The Bible gives clear direction on how we are supposed to live and treat others. It gives direction on how we should approach sin as churches and as individuals. The Bible is a book that needs to be read and applied in the life of a believer.
Unfortunately, his word is rejected more than it is received. People like the parts of the Bible that gives them what they want and desire. They reject the parts that require submission and obedience. People will be passionate about meeting together for corporate worship but deny the act of individual holiness. The Bible becomes subjective and is rejected. The Bible becomes a paperweight instead of divine inspiration.
The challenge we have as believers is to not reject Gods word. You may not burn it in a fire but you might dismiss it to make yourself happy. So what should we do? We should take it seriously. We should apply it and mediate on it daily. We should take it as his direct instruction to us and implement its teachings. We must let it burn inside of us and change us completely.
The word matters and our response to it shows our commitment to it in our lives.
Tomorrow, I plan on reading Jeremiah 38-41
