SCRIPTURE: Jeremiah 36
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
After the king burned the scroll containing the words that Baruch had written at Jeremiah’s dictation, the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah: “Take another scroll and write on it all the words that were on the first scroll, which Jehoiakim king of Judah burned up. [Jeremiah 36:27-28]
We do not, by our affirmation or denial, make something true or not.
The sun is real, whether I accept it or not.
God exists, whether people acknowledge it or not.
God’s will is done, whether we like it or not.
The king could not prevent God’s purpose by burning Jeremiah’s scroll.
The best response to what God says is submission – ‘Your will be done!’
Jesus took the Twelve aside and told them, “We are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written by the prophets about the Son of Man will be fulfilled. He will be handed over to the Gentiles. They will mock him, insult him, spit on him, flog him and kill him. On the third day he will rise again.” [Luke 18:31-33]
Jesus knows God’s purpose, for it is written (just like Jeremiah’s scroll).
But unlike King Jehoiakim son of David, King Jesus Son of David submits to God’s will, even though He does not like it.
He went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.” [Matthew 26:42]
I do not know all that God has in mind for this life, but I do know what He wants me to do, how He wants me to live.
I could take the bible and burn it; I could refuse to read the parts that I don’t like; I could deny that God is real and that I am accountable to His law.
But for all that, I would not change a thing.
Better to submit and say, may Your will be done, than try to avoid or escape what is written.
PRAYER:
Lord, it is written, whether I like it or not. Forgive me for thinking I can defy Your will. Strengthen me through Your Spirit to say, may Your will be done!