What lessons on obedience can we learn from Jeremiah's actions in this chapter? Setting the Scene Jeremiah 36 recounts the dramatic moment when King Jehoiakim destroyed the first scroll containing God’s warning to Judah. Undaunted, the Lord speaks again: “Take another scroll and write on it all the words that were on the original scroll that Jehoiakim king of Judah burned.” (Jeremiah 36:28) From Jeremiah’s quiet, steady response we discover rich lessons on obedience. Lesson 1 – Obedience Acts Immediately • The command comes in v. 28; the prophet and Baruch begin writing “at once” (v. 32). • Delayed obedience would have surrendered the moment to fear. Jeremiah shows that when God speaks, “now” is the right time (cf. Psalm 119:60). • Obedience today prepares us for tomorrow’s faithfulness. Lesson 2 – Obedience Stands Against Opposition • The king’s fire could not silence God’s word (vv. 23–25). • Jeremiah chooses loyalty to God over loyalty to a hostile ruler, echoing Acts 5:29: “We must obey God rather than men.” • True obedience does not negotiate with culture’s pressures or threats. Lesson 3 – Obedience Perseveres When It Costs Something • Writing an entire scroll twice required time, effort, and risk. • Galatians 6:9 encourages, “Let us not grow weary in well-doing.” Jeremiah models that grit. • Persevering obedience becomes a living testimony that God’s purposes outlast human resistance. Lesson 4 – Obedience Values God’s Word Above Personal Convenience • Jeremiah could have reasoned, “I already delivered the message once.” Yet he accepts the inconvenience because every word matters (cf. Matthew 4:4). • 2 Timothy 3:16 reminds us that all Scripture is “God-breathed.” By rewriting it verbatim, Jeremiah affirms its divine origin and authority. • Obedience means treating God’s revelation as treasure, not expendable information. Lesson 5 – Obedience Invites God’s Vindication • The second scroll not only repeats but expands the judgment (Jeremiah 36:32), showing that attempts to erase truth only amplify it. • Isaiah 55:11 assures, “My word… will not return to Me empty.” God defends His obedient servants by ensuring His message prevails. • When we obey, the outcome rests with Him, not with the opposition. Lesson 6 – Obedience Leaves a Legacy • Because Jeremiah obeyed, we still read his words today. • Hebrews 11:4 says, “Though he is dead, he still speaks.” Our obedience likewise echoes beyond our lifetime, influencing families, churches, and nations. Putting It Into Practice • Act promptly on what God has already shown you. • Choose faithfulness over convenience when pressure mounts. • Keep going—even if you have to “rewrite the scroll” after a setback. • Treat every portion of Scripture as precious and authoritative. • Trust God to vindicate His word and your obedience in His timing. |
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