READING: Jeremiah 25:15-38, Jeremiah 36:1-32, Jeremiah 45:1-46:28
You and I come together at some point each day to share this devotion because we believe in the Word of God. We know that it is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness—for making us the children of God He intends us to be (2 Tim 3:16-17). That commitment does not mean we always obey the Word as we ought, but it does mean we approach it with respect.
Not everyone, of course, responds to God’s message this way. We read today of Jehoiakim’s response to the scroll of God’s message sent to him from Jeremiah via Baruch—a most dramatic, blatant rejection of the Word of the Lord sent from the prophet to the nations (Jer 1:5). Not only did the king ignore the message, but he also cut the scroll into pieces and tossed it into the fire. Moreover, despite the warning of impending judgment, “As they heard all these words, the king and all his servants did not become terrified or tear their clothes” (Jer 36:24). When they should have grieved in repentance and ashes, they instead hardened their hearts in rebellion. Judgment would fall on the king and his people.
Nevertheless, the Word of God would prevail as God led Jeremiah simply to write another scroll.
It always does prevail.
It always does come true.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: How are you treating the Word of God today?
DAILY PRAYER: “Father, help me to hear and obey Your Word today, even if I don’t always like its message.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Jeremiah 19:1-20:18, Daniel 1:1-21