How should we respond when others invite us to share God's message? Setting the Scene in Jeremiah 36 “ ‘Sit down please and read it to us.’ So Baruch read it to them.” (Jeremiah 36:15) Key Observations • The officials issue a sincere invitation: “Sit down please…” • Baruch responds immediately and respectfully—no hesitation, no excuses. • He simply reads God’s word as written, trusting its power rather than adding his own spin. Principles Drawn from Baruch’s Example • Prompt Obedience – When asked to share, we honor God by responding without delay. • Humble Presence – Baruch “sat down,” taking a servant’s posture rather than claiming authority for himself. • Scripture-Centered Message – He read “the entire scroll” (v. 13). Our task is to deliver God’s words, not merely our opinions. • Confidence in God’s Word – Baruch let the text speak, believing Isaiah 55:11: “My word… will not return to Me empty.” Reinforcing Truths from the Rest of Scripture • 1 Peter 3:15: “Always be prepared to give a defense… yet with gentleness and respect.” • 2 Timothy 4:2: “Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season.” • Acts 4:20: “We cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.” • Matthew 28:19-20: The Great Commission extends the invitation to every disciple. Practical Steps for Today 1. Stay Filled with the Word – Daily reading stores up truth so we can share naturally (Colossians 3:16). 2. Pray for Sensitivity – Ask the Spirit to open doors and give boldness (Ephesians 6:19). 3. Listen First – Like Baruch, acknowledge the invitation; understand the hearer’s need before speaking. 4. Speak Plainly – Read or quote Scripture directly; God’s Word carries its own authority (Hebrews 4:12). 5. Trust the Outcome – Results belong to God; our role is faithfulness (1 Corinthians 3:6-7). Encouraging Promises to Fuel Our Obedience • Isaiah 40:8: “The grass withers…the word of our God stands forever.” • John 14:26: The Spirit “will teach you all things and remind you of everything.” Summary When others invite us to share God’s message, we follow Baruch’s pattern: respond promptly, sit humbly, center on Scripture, and rely on the Spirit’s power. God’s unchanging Word, faithfully delivered, will accomplish His purposes in every listening heart. |
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