What role does obedience play in Jeremiah's actions in Jeremiah 36:1? The Immediate Scriptural Setting “In the fourth year of Jehoiakim son of Josiah king of Judah, this word came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying,” (Jeremiah 36:1) A Divine Directive • The verse opens with God initiating communication. • Jeremiah’s role begins the moment “this word came.” • The prophet recognizes that a word from the LORD is not a suggestion but a binding charge. Obedience Displayed • Immediate attentiveness – Jeremiah listens without delay. • Acceptance of responsibility – he will soon dictate God’s message to Baruch (vv. 2-4), demonstrating he has embraced the task. • Consistent pattern – this is not Jeremiah’s first calling (cf. 1:4-7); his habit is to act as soon as God speaks. Why Obedience Is Central • Validates his office as prophet: a messenger must faithfully relay the message. • Sets the tone for the entire chapter: every subsequent action (writing, reading, re-writing after the scroll is burned) flows from that first obedient response. • Demonstrates covenant faithfulness: Jeremiah models the submission Israel was refusing to give (Jeremiah 11:6-8). • Positions him for further revelation: obedience to the initial word opens the door for continued guidance. Results of Jeremiah’s Submission • God’s message is preserved despite royal opposition (36:23-32). • Baruch is drawn into the work, multiplying the witness. • The people and officials are granted another opportunity to repent (36:6-10, 16). • The reliability of God’s word is highlighted when the burned scroll is divinely replaced, complete “with many similar words added to them” (36:32). Living It Out Today • Give God the right of first word and last word in every decision. • View obedience as the catalyst for God’s larger purposes, even when opposition is guaranteed. • Remember that faithful action today safeguards and extends God’s truth for the next generation. Supporting Passages • 1 Samuel 15:22 – “To obey is better than sacrifice.” • John 14:23 – “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word.” • Acts 5:29 – “We must obey God rather than men.” |
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