How can we ensure our leaders hear God's word, as in Jeremiah 36:12? Setting the Scene Jeremiah 36 tells of Baruch reading Jeremiah’s scroll first to the people in the temple courts, then to the officials gathered in the king’s palace: “he went down to the king’s palace, to the scribe’s chamber, and there all the officials were sitting—Elishama the scribe, Delaiah son of Shemaiah, Elnathan son of Achbor, Gemariah son of Shaphan, Zedekiah son of Hananiah, and all the other officials” (Jeremiah 36:12). The Word reached the corridors of power because someone was willing to carry it there. Observations from Jeremiah 36:12 • The scroll was read in a place leaders already occupied—no extra meeting had to be arranged. • Multiple officials heard it together, creating accountability. • The text was not summarized; it was read “in their hearing,” preserving God’s exact words (v. 13). • The process was respectful. Baruch and later the officials approached the king properly yet firmly (vv. 14–15, 21). Why Leaders Need to Hear God’s Word • “Righteousness exalts a nation” (Proverbs 14:34). • “Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint” (Proverbs 29:18). • Leaders are God’s servants for good (Romans 13:4). They cannot serve well if they do not know His will. • “The king’s heart is a waterway in the hand of the LORD; He directs it wherever He pleases” (Proverbs 21:1). God often steers that heart through faithful messengers. Practical Ways to Bring the Word to Today’s Leaders • Persistent intercession – “Petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving…for kings and all who are in authority” (1 Timothy 2:1-2). – Prayer tills the soil so the seed of Scripture can take root. • Respectful, direct communication – Emails, letters, and meetings that quote Scripture plainly yet courteously, as Nathan did with David (2 Samuel 12:1-7). • Supplying Scripture resources – Gifting Bibles, devotionals, or links to sermons. – Sharing concise passages relevant to current issues (e.g., Micah 6:8 on justice). • Supporting godly advisors – Encourage and pray for believers who serve as staffers, chaplains, or consultants (like Joseph in Pharaoh’s court, Genesis 41:38-40). • Public witness – Use media, social platforms, town-hall comments, and peaceful assemblies to bring biblical truth into public conversation (Acts 24:24-25). • Voting and civic engagement – Select leaders receptive to God’s Word; hold them accountable once elected (Exodus 18:21). • Modeling Scripture in local spheres – When community boards, school councils, and workplaces reflect biblical values, higher officials take notice (Daniel 3:28-30). Biblical Examples That Inspire Bold Action • Moses before Pharaoh (Exodus 5:1) – confronting power with “Thus says the LORD.” • Daniel before Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 4:27) – urging repentance for the nation’s sake. • Esther before King Xerxes (Esther 4:14-16) – risking position to preserve God’s people. • Paul before governors and kings (Acts 26:28-29) – unfaltering testimony. Promises to Fuel Our Courage • “Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you,” declares the LORD (Jeremiah 1:8). • “My word…will not return to Me empty” (Isaiah 55:11). • “The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is set securely on high” (Proverbs 29:25). Moving Forward in Faith God can still position His messengers—ordinary people like Baruch—in strategic rooms where decisions are made. When we pray fervently, speak respectfully, present Scripture faithfully, and support those called to serve in government, we participate in the same divine pattern seen in Jeremiah 36. The Word goes forth, leaders hear, and God accomplishes His sovereign purposes for our nation. |
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