What lessons about obedience can we learn from Jeremiah's actions in this passage? Jeremiah 36:32—“Then Jeremiah took another scroll and gave it to the scribe Baruch son of Neriah, and at Jeremiah’s dictation he wrote on it all the words of the book that King Jehoiakim of Judah had burned in the fire; and many similar words were added to them.” The Scene Revisited • The original scroll containing God’s warnings is cut up and burned by King Jehoiakim (36:23). • Instead of retreating, Jeremiah immediately dictates the entire message again—plus “many similar words.” • God’s Word remains intact; the king’s fireplace is no match for divine revelation. Jeremiah’s Unflinching Obedience • He acts the moment God speaks (cf. 1 Samuel 15:22). • He ignores royal intimidation and possible punishment (Jeremiah 36:19, 26). • He trusts God to protect both message and messenger. Lesson 1: Obedience Persists When God’s Word Is Rejected • People may scorn, tear up, or burn Scripture; the obedient servant keeps proclaiming it (2 Timothy 4:2). • Acts 5:29—“We must obey God rather than men.” • Faithfulness isn’t measured by audience approval but by adherence to divine command. Lesson 2: Obedience Trusts God’s Sovereignty Over Human Power • Jeremiah had no army, only a scroll; yet the scroll outlived the king. • Psalm 118:6—“The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” • Courage flows from knowing Who ultimately rules history. Lesson 3: Obedience Honors the Indestructibility of Scripture • Isaiah 40:8—“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever.” • Matthew 5:18—Not a “jot or tittle” will fail. • Because God’s Word is literally true, we submit to it without edits. Lesson 4: Obedience Invites Greater Revelation • “Many similar words were added.” Instead of less Scripture, Judah received more. • Proverbs 9:9—“Instruct the wise and he will be wiser still.” • The obedient heart becomes a conduit through which God expands His message. Lesson 5: Obedience Is Often a Team Effort • Jeremiah dictates; Baruch writes. Different gifts, shared mission (1 Corinthians 3:6–9). • Partnership encourages perseverance when opposition mounts. Lesson 6: Obedience Leaves a Lasting Legacy • The rewritten scroll became part of the canonical book of Jeremiah—read by believers for millennia (Romans 15:4). • Decisions made in private obedience can echo through generations. Putting It into Practice Today • Keep speaking biblical truth even when culture “burns the scroll.” • Anchor courage in God’s sovereignty, not in human favor. • Treat every word of Scripture as non-negotiable, literally true, and eternally relevant. • Expect God to deepen your understanding as you obey what you already know. • Link arms with fellow servants; obedience thrives in community. • Remember: faithfulness now writes chapters for those who come after us. |
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