August 19 - Jeremiah 36-38
This passage of Jeremiah is very interesting, because it gives us some insights into the written Word of God. In chapter 36 Jeremiah is commanded to write all of the words that God had spoken to him. He obeys this command by having Baruch, his assistant, write them down as Jeremiah dictated them to him. (36:18) This shows us that Jeremiah did not physically write the book of Jeremiah, but it is his book, because it was verbally spoken by him and dictated by him. Then, it shows us the reason God wanted the words written. The purpose was that the people could turn from their evil ways, and God could forgive them. (36:3) This is an example of the grace and mercy of God. Not everyone heard every word Jeremiah had spoken to God's people about their sin and punishment. Therefore, before God punished them, He wanted all of them to have a chance to read the words and repent. I believe that is the same for us today. The Bible is not just to give us the Gospel or nice things to help our lives. It is to show us our sins, so we can repent.
Jeconiah, the king of Judah, destroyed the written Word by burning the pages, and he tried to arrest Jeremiah and Baruch. On both counts he ultimately failed, because the book was rewritten, and God hid Jeremiah and Baruch. This is an example of the fact that nothing can stop God's Word and God's servants, if God chooses to protect them, which He often does. We see many examples of this in history.
Then, the next king, Zedekiah, did imprison Jeremiah, and he accused Jeremiah of being a traitor. (38:4) However, God protected him again, and Jeremiah was delivered from the miry clay of the dungeon by an Ethiopian man. (38:11) Jeremiah did stay in the regular prison, but God preserved his life. This shows how God is able to use unusual people to do His will. Don't ever think God can't help you out of a bad situation. He is able!
Tomorrow, I intend to read Jeremiah 39-41.
Jeconiah, the king of Judah, destroyed the written Word by burning the pages, and he tried to arrest Jeremiah and Baruch. On both counts he ultimately failed, because the book was rewritten, and God hid Jeremiah and Baruch. This is an example of the fact that nothing can stop God's Word and God's servants, if God chooses to protect them, which He often does. We see many examples of this in history.
Then, the next king, Zedekiah, did imprison Jeremiah, and he accused Jeremiah of being a traitor. (38:4) However, God protected him again, and Jeremiah was delivered from the miry clay of the dungeon by an Ethiopian man. (38:11) Jeremiah did stay in the regular prison, but God preserved his life. This shows how God is able to use unusual people to do His will. Don't ever think God can't help you out of a bad situation. He is able!
Tomorrow, I intend to read Jeremiah 39-41.