DEVOTION – DAY 138

Jeremiah 36:23-24 “God Judges In The End”

 

Jer.36:23-24, “Whenever Jehudi had read three or four columns of the scroll, the king cut them off with a scribe’s knife and threw them into the firepot, until the entire scroll was burnt in the fire. The king and all his attendants who heard all these words showed no fear; nor did they tear their clothes.”

 

King Jehoiakim was a bad king who led the nation of Judah into idolatry and wickedness. The Lord commanded Jeremiah to send a scroll of warning to the people. The Lord warned that unless they turned from their wicked ways, the Lord would send disasters upon the nation. Jeremiah got Baruch to read out the scroll to the people. When the people heard the warning, they were alarmed and they asked for the scroll. The scroll was given to King Jehoiakim. He asked that the contents of the scroll be read and as it was read, the King took a scribe’s knife and cut off parts of the scroll that had been read and he threw it into a fire. Soon, the entire scroll was burnt. The King and his attendants unlike the people showed no fear of the Lord.

King Jehoiakim’s heart was hard. The Lord commanded Jeremiah to write another scroll. On this second scroll, Jeremiah was to repeat what was written on the first scroll but with a new addition – that there would be a prophecy about King Jehoiakim and his offspring. He would have no one sit on the throne of David. His body would be thrown out and exposed by day and night. The Lord would punish him, his offspring and his attendants for their wickedness.

This is the final outcome for those who are foolish enough not to fear God. Today, we see the Myanmar military oppressing the people of Myanmar after an unjust coup. We see evil politicians stoking up racial hatred to further their own personal agendas. We see corruption getting worse as people think they can get away with it. But Jer.36 reminds us that God will judge the wicked people in His time. There will be no escape for them just like there was no escape for King Jehoiakim.

Let us pray: Dear Father, we know nothing escapes your attention. We pray for all evil-doers to turn from their wicked ways and repent for their judgment is assured. Help us to wait patiently for your perfect timing in setting right all wrongs. In the name of the Lord Jesus we pray. Amen.

 

Questions

  1. What injustices do you see going unpunished today and how does this affect you? Share.
  2. Why do you think God allows wickedness to go seemingly unpunished? Discuss.
  3. How are you encouraged to leave judgment to God arising from reading this devotion?