How does Jeremiah 36:2 emphasize the importance of recording God's words accurately? Key verse – Jeremiah 36:2 “Take a scroll and write on it all the words that I have spoken to you concerning Israel, Judah, and all the nations, from the day I first spoke to you—days of Josiah until today.” God’s Direct Command to Record • The initiative comes from the Lord Himself: “Take a scroll.” • Jeremiah is told to write “all the words,” not a summary or paraphrase. • The scope is comprehensive—messages spanning decades, underscoring that none of God’s revelations are expendable. Accuracy Is a Matter of Obedience • Recording every word demonstrates reverence for divine authority (cf. Deuteronomy 4:2; Proverbs 30:5-6). • Altering, omitting, or embellishing would be disobedience and invite judgment (Revelation 22:18-19). • The prophet’s role is stewardship, not editorial control (2 Peter 1:21). Scripture’s Consistent Pattern • Exodus 17:14—God commands Moses, “Write this on a scroll as a memorial.” • Deuteronomy 31:24-26—Moses completes “the words of this law” and places the book beside the ark. • Psalm 12:6—“The words of the LORD are flawless, like silver refined seven times.” • Matthew 5:18—Not “the smallest letter” will pass away until all is fulfilled. • 2 Timothy 3:16—“All Scripture is God-breathed.” Purposes Behind Careful Documentation • Preservation: ensures future generations hear the exact same message. • Accountability: Judah and the nations will be measured against what was written (Jeremiah 36:3, 7). • Invitation: accurate words make possible genuine repentance and hope (Jeremiah 36:7; Romans 10:17). • Fulfillment tracking: specific prophecies can be verified when later events unfold. Practical Takeaways for Today • Treat the Bible as God’s unalterable voice; approach study with humility, not revisionism. • When teaching or sharing Scripture, aim for faithfulness to the text over creativity. • Guard against additions or subtractions—accuracy preserves the power of the gospel (Galatians 1:8-9). • Regularly read and copy Scripture—it roots truth in the heart just as Jeremiah’s scroll preserved truth for his generation. |
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