Jeremiah 36:23

New International Version

Whenever Jehudi had read three or four columns of the scroll, the king cut them off with a scribe’s knife and threw them into the firepot, until the entire scroll was burned in the fire.

For Meditation

He sat in my office, his eyes reflecting hurt and disappointment. His apprentice had left unexpectedly and started out on his own. The master felt wronged, sending sharp criticisms the young man’s way. The crucial point was the money the man claimed from his former apprentice. We settled on the amount and arranged the payment plan. Yet, bitterness wouldn’t leave him. He wished the young man failure. I pressed the matter with scripture after scripture, aimed at renewing his mind on his ungodly wishes. He burned under the weight of the word, but sadly, he struggled to free himself instead of submitting to it. Does it resonate? The writer of the Book of Hebrews was right on point.

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double–edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart (Heb. 4:12).

This struggle is not uncommon. We may find ourselves wrestling with the word of God, particularly when it touches on sensitive areas of our lives. Sometimes, individuals feel hesitant about embracing godly counsel when they are deeply committed to pursuing cherished desires or carrying out their own plans.

This resistance is vividly illustrated in Scripture. When Jehudi read three or four columns from the scroll to King Jehoiakim in his winter apartment, the king cut them off and burned them until the whole scroll was gone (Jer. 36:20-23), as many have done with the Bible. Jehoiakim disliked what he heard. Yet burning the Bible cannot undo prophecy. Heaven and earth will pass away, but God’s word endures (Lk. 21:33).

God’s word is enduring. Human anger and dislike cannot drown its message. Neither can shutting one’s ears make it go away. Many have tried doctoring and rationalizing prophecy to suit their carnality, but have achieved nothing but to set themselves up for God’s wrath.

Yet, in the face of such rejection, there is hope. Glory to God for His mercy. He told Jeremiah to rewrite the message and add more after King Jehoiakim burned the first. God did this to give the king and his elders another chance to repent. He still gives us new chances to hear His word. 

There is a contrasting response to God’s word. Unlike Jehoiakim, when Secretary Shaphan read the Book of the Law to King Josiah, Josiah tore his robes and told the priest to seek God’s direction for him and for all Israel (2 Chron. 34:14-21). He led the nation in repentance and revival.

So, how do you respond when God’s word challenges your opinions or brings discomfort? Do you relate more to Josiah or Jehoiakim, each of whom illustrates a different outcome? 

Remember, “It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Hebrews 10:31).

Pray with Me

Father, help us listen to your voice and yield to your Spirit. May you reward our obedience. Amen.

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