Paying The Price

O. T. #1806  "Paying The Price"

Oct. 22, 2020

Jeremiah 36

 

LET IT GLOW

This chapter actually occurred before chapters 34 and 35. It is the first time we read of the actual recording of Jeremiah's prophecy. As God commanded His prophet to write down the prophecy that God spoke to him. He dictated it to Baruch, his faithful friend and secretary. It was written on papyrus sheets or vellum which were sewn or glued together. Those were stored in long rolls called  scrolls.

It took place during the fourth year reign of Jehoiakim, an evil monarch of Judah. So Baruch read the prophecy in the Lord's house, because Jeremiah was not allowed inside. He read the prophecy in the chamber of Gemariah.

When Gemariah's son, Michaiah  heard it, he reported it to the princes, top officials, meeting in the king's house. They invited Baruch to read it to them and he did so. They turned to each other in fear. Jerusalem was doomed. Babylon was then destroying city after city, closing in on Jerusalem. They had to tell the king. (verse 16) The officials advised Jeremiah and Baruch to hide for their own safety. (verse 19)

Are we willing to read or proclaim God's Word wherever He sends us? No matter the risk to us, we must share the gospel. God will protect us.

 

LET IT GROW

 

Now, the officials left the scroll in a scribes' chambers for safe keeping, then went to tell the king had happened. After hearing the news, the king sent Jehudi to get the scroll. He obeyed and began reading it. What happened next caused the king's life to be shortened. With a lack of concern for God's Word and Judah's sin, cut up the scroll with a knife and tossed it into the fire until it was consumed. (verses 22-23)

The officials begged the king to not do it, but he refused. Then he ordered Jeremiah and Baruch to be arrested. But the Lord hid them away safe. (verse 26)

Nothing can stop God's program or will or purpose. It will be done. God instructed Jeremiah to dictate everything again to Baruch. They added, Jehoiakim would have no one sit on David's throne. (verse 30) Jehoiakim's corpse was thrown out to be exposed to the heat of day and frost of night. His son Jehoiachin only reigned as king for 3 months before being taken to Babylon. Then Jehoiachin's uncle Zedekiah replaced him.

What a price to pay for rejecting the Lord. 

For ever, O LORD, Thy Word is settled in heaven. (Ps. 119:89) God's Word will stand forever. People may put it aside, say it contains errors, or not trust in it, but that is false. God's Word is truth.

LET IT GO

Jesus, be our defender, comforter, and strength.