What can we learn from the officials' reaction to the scroll in Jeremiah 36:16? Setting the Scene Jeremiah dictated the Lord’s warnings to Baruch, who read them aloud in the temple. Word traveled to the royal officials, who summoned Baruch to read the scroll again. Verse 16 records their immediate response: “When they had heard all these words, they turned to each other in fear and said to Baruch, ‘We must surely report all these words to the king.’” (Jeremiah 36:16) Listening That Leads to Awe • The officials did not dismiss what they heard—they “turned to each other in fear.” • Their fear was not superstition but reverence, the same posture God esteems: “This is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at My word” (Isaiah 66:2). • Scripture still demands holy awe. Hebrews 4:12 reminds us that the word of God is “living and active… able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” A casual approach dulls the heart; a reverent approach awakens it. Healthy Fear versus Paralysis • Fear of God’s judgments moved the officials toward action, not despair. • Their response mirrors Nineveh’s leaders who humbled themselves at Jonah’s preaching (Jonah 3:5-9). • Godly fear produces repentance and obedience (2 Corinthians 7:10-11). Paralyzing fear comes from unbelief; healthy fear prompts change. Responsibility to Speak Up • The officials quickly concluded, “We must surely report all these words to the king.” • They recognized stewardship: once truth is heard, it must be relayed, even to those in power (cf. Acts 5:29). • 2 Timothy 4:2 urges: “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season.” Silence after conviction equals disobedience. God’s Word Prevails • Although the king later burned the scroll (Jeremiah 36:23), God commanded Jeremiah to rewrite it “with many similar words added to them” (v. 32). • Human opposition cannot extinguish divine revelation (Isaiah 40:8; Matthew 24:35). • The officials’ fear proved warranted; the king’s contempt led to judgment (Jeremiah 36:30-31). Personal Application Today • Approach Scripture expectantly—ready to tremble, ready to obey. • Let conviction propel you toward godly action, not avoidance. • Share God’s word faithfully, regardless of audience or potential backlash. • Trust that God will preserve His message and accomplish His purposes through it. |
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