Bible Pathways - Aug. 24, 2006

Jeremiah 34

In Today's Reading:

Jeremiah's warning to Zedekiah; obedience of the Rechabites; scroll read by Jehudi and destroyed by King Jehoiakim

Over three years after the Egyptians conquered Judah and appointed Jehoiakim as its king, Nebuchadnezzar defeated the Egyptians, invaded Jerusalem, and appointed Jehoiakim as his servant-king. Unlike his godly father Josiah, Jehoiakim was a ruthless, cruel ruler.

At that time, Jeremiah instructed his secretary Baruch to record the judgment of God saying: Take . . . a roll (scroll) of a book, and write therein all the words that I have spoken unto thee against Israel, and against Judah, . . . and against all the nations (Jeremiah 36:2).

Then Jeremiah commanded Baruch . . . go . . . and read . . . the words of the LORD . . . in the LORD'S House . . . to all Judah. . . . It may be they will . . . return every one from his evil way (36:5-7). The princes (leaders) were disturbed by the prophet's words and immediately informed the king, who sent Jehudi to fetch the roll (36:21).

After Jehudi had read three or four leaves (of the scroll, Jehoiakim flew into a rage, snatched it from Jehudi, and), he cut it with the penknife, and cast it into the fire that was on the hearth, until all the roll was consumed in the fire (36:23). But, that was all he could do. It was beyond his power to destroy the truth the scroll contained.

In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah came Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon unto Jerusalem, and besieged it. And the Lord gave Jehoiakim . . . into his hand (Daniel 1:1-2).

Like Jehoiakim, some today seal their fate by refusing to read and believe the truth that God considers necessary to fulfill His will. History records many Bible burnings; but what is the difference between burning it or not reading it?

Without a doubt, the godly, such as Daniel and his friends, suffer because of the sins of others. But, God is able to bless the faithful as he did Daniel. Without exception: All things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).

Christ Revealed:

As the One who desires liberty for all in bondage (Isaiah 61:1). Jesus said: The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me . . . to preach deliverance to the captives (Luke 4:18-19).

Word Studies:

34:5 burnings =b> ceremonial incense burning; 35:19 not want =b> be without.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for Staff: Gina Lesnefsky · Government Officials: Rep. John Culberson (TX), Gov. Kenny Guinn (NV), Gov. Mike Huckabee (AR), and Rep. Steve Pearce (NM) · Country: Iceland (272,000) at the northern end of the Atlantic · Major language: Icelandic · Religious freedom · 94% Protestant; 6% Roman Catholic · Prayer Suggestion: Confess and repent of any known sin (I John 1:9).

Optional Reading: II John 1

Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 91:2