HOLD TO AND SHARE THE TRUTH OF GOD’S WORD IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES
HOLD TO AND SHARE THE TRUTH OF GOD’S WORD IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES
When they heard all the words, they turned one to another in fear. And they said to Baruch, “We must report all these words to the king. —Jeremiah 36:16
It was the ninth month, and the king was sitting in the winter house, and there was a fire burning in the fire pot before him. As Jehudi read three or four columns, the king would cut them off with a knife and throw them into the fire in the fire pot, until the entire scroll was consumed in the fire that was in the fire pot. Yet neither the king nor any of his servants who heard all these words was afraid, nor did they tear their garments. Even when Elnathan and Delaiah and Gemariah urged the king not to burn the scroll, he would not listen to them. —Jeremiah 36:22-25
And concerning Jehoiakim king of Judah you shall say, ‘Thus says the LORD, You have burned this scroll…” —Jeremiah 36:29
But neither he nor his servants nor the people of the land listened to the words of the LORD that he spoke through Jeremiah the prophet. —Jeremiah 37:2
“You are deserting to the Chaldeans.” —Jeremiah 37:13
There are people, many, many people in this world who will listen to God’s Word and believe it. But there are those, even in leadership positions, who will not only not listen to God’s Word, but seek to destroy it. Even when those around these leaders encouraged them not to do so, they still will.
Oh, but our Lord knows all people and all their thoughts and actions. Every Word that was read to the king was known by our Lord. Every time this king cut off a piece of the scroll and threw it into the fire, the Lord knew. When those around the king encourage the king not to burn the scroll, the king would not listen but continued to burn the scroll as it was being read. The Lord knew.
And then Jeremiah, proclaimer of God’s Word, was falsely accused. Yes, you can expect opposition when you live for and proclaim the Word of God. Even though falsely accused—
“The officials were enraged at Jeremiah, and they beat him and imprisoned him in the house of Jonathan the secretary, for it had been made a prison. When Jeremiah had come to the dungeon cells and remained there many days, King Zedekiah sent for him and received him. The king questioned him secretly in his house and said, “Is there any word from the LORD?” Jeremiah said, “There is.” Then he said, “You shall be delivered into the hand of the king of Babylon.” Jeremiah also said to King Zedekiah, “What wrong have I done to you or your servants or this people, that you have put me in prison? Where are your prophets who prophesied to you, saying, ‘The king of Babylon will not come against you and against this land’? Now hear, please, O my lord the king: let my humble plea come before you and do not send me back to the house of Jonathan the secretary, lest I die there.” So King Zedekiah gave orders, and they committed Jeremiah to the court of the guard. And a loaf of bread was given him daily from the bakers’ street, until all the bread of the city was gone. So Jeremiah remained in the court of the guard.’ —Jeremiah 37:15-21
Even when Jeremiah was persecuted for the Word of God, he did not draw back from the Truth, but continued to proclaim it. This is so true of many of our brothers and sisters around the world. They are persecuted, but they continue to be faithful. Oh, that we would continue to be faithful to our Lord whatever circumstances we find ourselves in. Yes, Dear Father, may this be so until we are with Jesus in that glorious place. Please help us to finish the race marked out for us with perseverance as we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus by the power of Your Holy Spirit and in the authority of Your Son Jesus. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KwsvqVmFV6Y