Verse 26- He allowed the scroll to set on fire but hid Jeremiah and Baruch. Just because you deliver the word as your own belief you cannot do so rashly and you cannot cower for the safety of your own body. You need to know when to go out, when to retreat, and when you boldly speak and act God will protect you.
Verses 27-32- He could set fire to the scroll, but “God’s words which are like fire” (23:29) they could not burn. Even if the person who delivers God’s words face persecution and dies, the power of those words never fade away. Rather God will give, “many more words” (verse 32) of judgment and they will be recorded. It is declared that Judah who does not repent will be destroyed by Babylon and Jehoiakim who rip and burn the words of God will be cut off from his lineage and he will die a shameful death. This promise comes true (2 Kings 24:1-18). You cannot be discouraged because of people who do not listen to the words and you cannot try to take the hearts of people by inflammatory programs or saying nice words. Is the life of these words doing work inside of you and helping you gain victory over the world?
What lesson is God teaching me?
Verses 20-26- Jehoiakim opposed the command of the laws and unlike the viceroy Josiah who tore his clothes (2 Kings 22:11), Jehoiakim tore the scroll. The sons of Acbor and Shaphan who saw the reforms of Josiah (verse 12) did not listen and threw the words onto the burning charcoal as to ridicule it. How do you react to the rebuke and discipline that comes your way?
Lord, help me to throw away all my geed and futile ambitions and follow your word.
