By Lisa Wilmore
Scripture Reading: 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 burned in the fire. The king and all his attendants who heard all these words showed no fear, nor did they tear their clothes. Even though Elnathan, Delaiah and Gemariah urged the king not to burn the scroll, he would not listen to them. (Jeremiah 36:23-25).
It is essential that we are not guilty of discounting, overlooking, or disregarding what God has spoken.
Sunday after Sunday, preachers and pastors deliver the uncompromising Word of God. The truth that will free us from God’s wrath while revealing His compassion, lovingkindness, and His forgiving power. When God’s Word is conveyed to us by His messenger, it is vital that we open our ears, hear, and take heed to what God is saying. Do you hear what God says on Sunday morning or any other time His Word has been shared? If so, great. If not, submit to hearing and ask God to give you a better understanding of what He is saying.
Biblically noted in the Book of Jeremiah, God gave the message to Jeremiah for His people; however, Jeremiah was unable to deliver it in person. Nevertheless, he acquired his scribe, Baruch, to right the message on a scroll and deliver it to the people. Well, when Baruch delivered God’s message, there were certain men who heard it and asked Baruch to read it to certain officials in the king’s court. God’s message was finally read to the king and his princes. The king cut and burned the scroll in their presence. God’s Word did not move them in any way. Particularly, they rejected God’s Word.
Are you guilty of burning God’s Word after Sunday morning’s message? Someone may ask, “What do you mean ‘burning God’s Word’?” Well, when we as individuals hear God’s Word and know that He is calling for a change in our lives, yet we disregard His voice as if we never heard it, this can be thought of as ‘burning His Word”. When the preacher compels us to love each other as Christ loved-turn from our wicked ways, yet we ignore the Word of God with no change in our hearts, may be considered as ‘burning His Word’. When God’s Word is rejected and disregarded, individuals are just as guilty as the king who took the Word of God and burned it; who showed no fear and no repentance. In other words, they cast it out of sight and out of mind. The question still remains…. Are you guilty?
