Dear Friends and Partners in the Kingdom of God ,
This morning I was reading Jeremiah chapter 36 .
Much of the Book of Jeremiah was written long after the prophet delivered his sermons. This chapter gives the circumstances. Jeremiah has been forbidden to enter the temple area ( Jer 36:5 ), so he dictates the messages he has given to a skilled scribe named Baruch. Baruch then goes to the temple compound during a religious festival and reads the scroll aloud from an upstairs window ( Jer 36:1–10 ). This is reported to the king’s officials, who politely ask Baruch to read his material to them. They realize at once that it has been dictated by Jeremiah (v v. 11–19 ). After urging Baruch and Jeremiah to hide, the officials take the scroll to King Jehoiakim. The king listens as the document is read, but shows his total disrespect for God’s Word by cutting up the scroll and burning it (v v. 20–23 ). Rather than repent, the king orders the arrest of Jeremiah and Baruch (v v. 24–26 ). Jeremiah dictates another copy of his book and sends a message to the king. Because of Jehoiakim’s contempt for God’s Word he will die, and none of his descendants will succeed him on David’s throne (v v. 27–31 ).
Today church leaders do not stop the true ministers from entering the church building. Neither do they arrest the true ministers of God for speaking the Word of God.
They ignore them. They slender them and try to destroy their ministry.
They make sure that church pulpits are filled with ministers who speak church pastor’s lingo or themes.
During Jeremiah’s time there were many prophets who were prophesying to please the king of Israel but Jeremiah spoke the Word of God [He prophesied what he heard from God]. The King did not like what he heard from Jeremiah. In fact the king did not like what God was saying. Therefore the king stopped Jeremiah from entering the temple. Next the king put Jeremiah in prison.
Churches should seek to hear from God even if it makes them uncomfortable. Do not be like King Jehoiakim. Listen to the truth. The truth from God will set people free from lies. On the other hand lies will put people in bondage and destroy them.
Instruction
Read Scripture with a proper sense of awe, realizing it is God’s own Word to you and others.
In His Majesty’s Service
Christopher.K.
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