What does Jeremiah 36:28 teach about the importance of preserving and sharing God's message? The Text “Take another scroll and write on it all the words that were on the first scroll that Jehoiakim king of Judah burned.” (Jeremiah 36:28) Background Snapshot - God had instructed Jeremiah to dictate His words; Baruch wrote them on a scroll and read them publicly (Jeremiah 36:1–10). - King Jehoiakim reacted by cutting up that scroll and burning it piece by piece (Jeremiah 36:22–23). - Rather than allow the divine message to be silenced, God commanded Jeremiah to create a new, expanded copy—“another scroll.” What This Teaches about Preserving God’s Message - Divine words are indestructible—attempts to erase them only lead to their reaffirmation. - God Himself safeguards the accuracy of His revelation, overseeing every word that is rewritten. - Preservation includes faithful duplication: the second scroll contained “all the words” of the first, showing literal integrity. - When opposition arises, God provides fresh opportunities to record and circulate His truth. - The episode underscores Scripture’s permanence, echoing Isaiah 40:8: “The word of our God stands forever.” What This Teaches about Sharing God’s Message - Public proclamation is God’s design (Jeremiah 36:6–10); written copies enable repeated, wider hearing. - Sharing does not cease when people reject or destroy; obedience continues regardless of response. - Added words of judgment in the new scroll (Jeremiah 36:32) reveal that silencing God often results in a stronger message. - Human hostility can become a platform for renewed witness, displaying God’s patience and justice. Supporting Passages - Deuteronomy 6:6–9—command to write and display God’s words continually. - Psalm 119:89—“Your word, O LORD, is everlasting.” - Matthew 24:35—“Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away.” - 2 Timothy 3:16—Scripture is “God-breathed,” worthy of diligent handling. - 1 Peter 1:25—“The word of the Lord stands forever”—quoted from Isaiah, reinforcing continuity. Practical Takeaways - Guard the Scriptures: treasure physical and digital copies, and protect accurate translation. - Continue to speak and write God’s truth even when culture rejects it. - Expect opposition; let it deepen commitment rather than deter it. - Rely on the Spirit for courage and precision, trusting God to superintend His Word’s survival and spread. |
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