What steps can we take to prevent dismissing God's word like Jehoiakim? Jehoiakim’s Tragic Response Jeremiah 36:23: “As soon as Jehudi had read three or four columns, the king cut them off with a scribe’s knife and threw the pieces into the fire in the brazier until the entire scroll was consumed by the fire.” Jehoiakim’s knife and brazier still warn us: whenever God’s voice is inconvenient, the human heart may reach for its own “fire.” Receive Scripture as Final Authority • 2 Timothy 3:16-17—“All Scripture is God-breathed…” • Proverbs 30:5—“Every word of God is flawless.” Practical step: before opening the Bible, settle the question of authority—“If God says it, that settles it.” This decision disarms the impulse to edit or ignore difficult commands. Approach with a Soft, Humble Heart • Isaiah 66:2—“This is the one I will esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at My word.” • Psalm 139:23-24—invite God to search and correct. Habit to cultivate: pause, breathe, and consciously lower defenses; ask God to expose blind spots. Create Regular, Unrushed Listening Spaces • Luke 10:39—Mary “sat at the Lord’s feet listening.” • Deuteronomy 6:6-7—talk of God’s words “when you sit…walk…lie down…rise.” Tips: – Set a non-negotiable daily time slot. – Read aloud when possible (hearing reinforces respect). – Use a physical Bible to limit distractions; phones invite metaphorical braziers—just a swipe and the text disappears. Translate Hearing into Immediate Obedience • James 1:22—“Be doers of the word, and not hearers only.” • Matthew 7:24—wise builders act on Jesus’ words. Action loop: 1. Note one clear application. 2. Act within 24 hours. 3. Share the step with a trusted believer for encouragement. Delayed obedience breeds the same casualness that let Jehoiakim reach for the knife. Stay Accountable in God-Centered Community • Hebrews 3:13—“Encourage one another daily…so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” • Colossians 3:16—“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another.” Structures that help: small groups, Scripture-memory partners, family devotions. Others often see creeping indifference before we notice it ourselves. Remember the Consequences of Rejection—and the Blessings of Reception • Jeremiah 36:30-31—Jehoiakim’s line and throne were judged. • 2 Kings 22:18-20—Josiah, who tore his clothes in repentance, received peace. Meditate on both outcomes; gratitude for mercy and healthy fear of judgment keep the heart tender. Treasure the Word Daily • Psalm 119:97—“Oh, how I love Your law! I meditate on it all day long.” Practical ideas: – Write key verses on cards; revisit through the day. – Sing Scripture-based songs. – Keep a journal titled “Ways God’s Word Protected Me Today.” This Week’s Action Summary 1. Declare anew: “God’s Word is my final authority.” 2. Schedule an uninterrupted 20-minute reading slot. 3. Read Jeremiah 36 aloud; note one immediate action and do it. 4. Share that action with a friend; invite follow-up. 5. Memorize Isaiah 66:2 to reinforce humility. 6. End each day listing one way obeying Scripture brought blessing or protection. These steps keep the knife and brazier out of our hands and God’s living Word alive in our hearts. |
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