Prayer: Father, I ask for insight into the significance of Your command to Jeremiah. Thank You for his faithfulness to commit to print, Your words to the Hebrew people. Amen.
Reading: Jeremiah 36 key: vs. 1-2 “Now it happened in the fourth year of Jehoiakim son of King Josiah of Judah, that this word came to Jeremiah from Adonai, saying: “Take a megillah scroll, and write in it all the words that I have spoken to you about Israel, about Judah, and about all the nations from the day I spoke to you—from the days of Josiah until this day.” TLV
Attention: Jeremiah faced the same problem that all prophets, pastors, and evangelists encounter, in declaring the word of the Lord. If they rely on just an oral presentation, only those in attendance will have a chance to hear or understand.
So, what was the purpose for Adonai (God) commanding Jeremiah to record in written form, His word to proclaim to “Israel, Juday, and all nations from the day I spoke to you…until this day.” A written document called a scroll, provided the opportunity for multiple readings and presentations, and reading individually. The hope from God, was that all of Israel would hear and repent.
I looked up the word “Megillah/Megillot” in my Tree of Life Version Glossary, “5 Books (Songs, Ruth, Lamentations, Ecclesiastes, & Esther). It is not clear to me whether a Megillah/Megillot is composed of these five books or has similarities to these five books, but regardless, Jeremiah was commanded to write a Megillah of all the words God gave to Jeremiah since He began talking with him, about 22 years in all.
We are told that God’s word given to Jeremiah was penned by Baruch (vs.4) on a scroll, and when the Megillah was read to king Jehoiakim, in a rage, he burned the scroll in his fireplace.
God’s response! He commanded Jeremiah to dictate to Baruch and create a second Megillah, which he did.
We too can burn the Bible or only read the selected scriptures which support our positions, but it will not nullify, silence, or discredit the word of God. His declarations will be fulfilled. What is your response to the full or whole gospel of God?
Action: I choose to listen to the warnings which God gives us through His word and the mouth of His prophets.
Yield: I choose to submit to the declarations of Adonai in written and oral form.
Engage: I choose to engage with the Word of God with the help of the Holy Spirit.
Relationship: I choose to live in a holy, obedient lifestyle unto God.
Prayer: Father, I thank You for the faithfulness of Jeremiah and Baruch who penned Your words to the nation of Israel. You desire repentance and forgiveness rather than judgement. May prophets proclaim and people of the nations listen and repent. Amen.
Memory Verse: John 3:17 “God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him.” TLV
Music Video: Hillsong—God So Loved the World https://youtu.be/sG6yoghwa9A?si=mZbIxXxcZEto-I4v
Remember, “Abide in Yeshua, today!”