Jeremiah 36:23 NKJV
And it happened, when Jehudi had read three or four columns, that the king cut it with the scribe’s knife and cast it into the fire that was on the hearth, until all the scroll was consumed in the fire that was on the hearth.
In today’s reading, we are reminded of God’s nature as being merciful, gracious, and long-suffering (Exodus 34:6).
Most often, when God deals with His people, punishment is meant to be remedial, not punitive.
However, when God’s mercy and grace are constantly rejected, judgement is inevitable.
God wanted His word to be more effectively delivered to His people. Hence, He commanded Jeremiah to write them down in a scroll.
Words written down are more easily remembered, consulted, and meditated upon than the ones that are only heard. Presently, we can apply this to our own lives through the practice of note-taking.
Every time we have an opportunity to hear the word of God spoken, whether as Sermons, or even in our private studying of the Bible, our jottings provide reliable resources for us when we are faced with various situations in life and we need the word of God for that season.
A question arises from verse 23 of our reading regarding the reaction of King Jehoiakim when the word of God was read to him……. “he cut the scroll with a knife and cast it into the fire….till all the scroll was consumed.”.
What is my reaction to God’s word when it comes to me? Scriptures teach us that those who abide in His word are His disciples indeed. They will know the truth, and the truth will make them free (Jn 8:31-32).
There may be passages in the Bible that we do not like (especially those that challenge our favourite notions or confront our besetting sins),
and the temptation is there to cut it off! But by all means, we must resist the temptation to apply our knives or burn them (rendering the word ineffective).
Today, christianity is faced with some among us who want to decide for themselves what is true and false in the Bible, what actually happened, and what is only a fairy-tale story.
Some want to decide what moral teaching should be kept for our present age and what is no longer “relevant” under the dispensation of Grace and should be discarded.
Brethren, please let us be guided. No matter the error that may be flying around us wherever we find ourselves, let us be determined and make up our minds to remember what is written in 2 Peter 1:20-21 NKJV
knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, [21] for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit*
