Jeremiah – Page 6 – Be Still…

Jeremiah 36:21-32 – What Happened to the Scroll?

Can you believe what the king did to the scroll? At least he had it read to him before he destroyed it. But the fact he was not moved to repent is serious business. I was surprised by this line: “Neither the king nor his attendants showed any signs of fear or repentance at what they heard.” How could they hear all of that and have no fear of the LORD? What a calloused heart King Jehoiakim must have had to simply burn up God’s word with no remorse. I picture him taking delight in the power he wielded. Sad. Very sad.

God desires our devotion and was hopeful his prophetic words on the scroll would pierce the king’s cold heart. God gave the king a chance to get it right, but the king failed. The king’s actions were brutal as he slashed the scroll and burned it up. How disappointed God must have been to see such a response! Can you think of a time when someone responded to you in a totally unexpected way that hurt you?

Jeremiah 36:1-20 – Introducing Baruch

Read Jeremiah 36:1-20

quill and scroll paper with Hebrew writing

What a drama we see unfold before our eyes in this reading! And in just twenty short verses we covered the span of a year. I always like when we get those nuggets of exactness on which to create our mental picture of what’s happening in that moment. God was hopeful, “Perhaps the people of Judah will repent when they hear again all the terrible things I have planned for them.”

Faithful Jeremiah listens to God about writing it all down. What surprises me here is that all this time, Jeremiah was not keeping written notes of his prophecies from God. I suppose that’s because I journal a lot! I pour my heart out to God and keep track of answered prayer.

Jeremiah 35:1-19 – What Makes the Recabites Faithful?

Read Jeremiah 35:1-19

faithfulness seen in a woman praising and praying on a light blue background

It was interesting to hear the story of the Rechabites and how they are singled out for God’s purposes. Apparently, the Rechabites were a small group of Israelites, related to the Kenites, living in southern Judah. They hadn’t let the corruption of foreign gods discolor their faithfulness. In fact, this passage illustrates how the Rechabites exemplify what it means to be faithful and true.

In the example we’re shown, this faithfulness extends to a rule they had been given by a loved one. I found it strange there was no direct mention of God or their devotion to him. Their actions point to a devout vow that must have been started to avoid being distracted by wine and spirits.

Jeremiah 34:8-22 – God is Watching

Read Jeremiah 34:8-22

Big blue eye with reflection of the 3 crosses reflected inside

Why do you think the people “really” let their slaves go free in the first place? Was it that they were finally being obedient to God’s covenant command? Perhaps it was because it was hard being responsible for additional people in your household when a foreign army is attacking. What do you think?

God saw their actions. He saw them repent and do what was right. They freed those fellow Hebrews and even made a solemn covenant with God in the temple. How pleased God must have been to see this take place!

Jeremiah 34:1-7 -A Promise from God

Read Jeremiah 34:1-7

We’re starting a new “unofficial” section of Jeremiah that seems to include a lot of narratives about Judah under siege in the years 588-587 B.C. The events won’t always be in chronological order, so that’s a good thing to keep in mind as you reflect on these passages. While we’ll be walking through some dark moments in the history of God’s people, we can shine the light of Jesus on all of it.

In our reading today, Jeremiah brings a specific message from the LORD to King Zedekiah. It’s not every day that God reveals to us exactly what is going to happen to us. Do you think it would be better to know exactly what was going to happen next in your life, even if it’s bad, or would you rather be unaware and just let things come?