Canonical Reading Plan for Aug 22, Jer 35-37

Today's readings are Jer 35-37.

Here's a timeline to help put things in perspective:

We see the Recabites again in Jer 35, descendants of Jonadab, who lived nearly 200 years prior to Jeremiah’s time (2 Kings 10:15-23)  and charged his descendants with avoiding wine and leading holy lives. They have been faithful to their father's commands and God uses them as object lessons for those who obey. They will be blessed. They stand in stark contrast to Judah and Jerusalem who will suffer the consequences of disobedience and faithlessness 

In Jer 36, God instructs Jeremiah to write his prophecies down and give them to the king. At first, it seems Jeremiah will finally meet with some success, but the king destroys the scrolls. 

This is a lesson not only in the faithfulness and perseverance of Jeremiah but in the enduring nature of God's word. Jeremiah continues to preach the word despite his lack of effectiveness. Indeed, when the king hears God's word he tries to destroy it. God preserves it and continues to make it heard. Those who reject it are still subject to it. Trying to destroy it or trying to ignore it does not exempt them from the consequences and judgment it prophesies. 

Jer 37 reiterates that neither the king nor his servants nor the people of the land listened or obeyed. Jeremiah is unjustly thrown in prison by the new king, Zedekiah, who, contrary to the last king, also shows him some mercy while he’s imprisoned.

So far, Jeremiah has done everything the Lord has asked him to do. All he seems to get for it is more pain and suffering. Yet, he remains faithful. Why? Remember God has instructed Jeremiah to buy land. This is a promise that Jeremiah has a future and will be blessed by God regardless of what his situation appears to be. Jeremiah has consciously decided to put more faith and trust in God than he does in his circumstances. He’s made the determination that he will believe the word of God and not become a victim of fear and doubt. Jeremiah has “set his mind on things above” (Col 3:1-2) rather than allowing himself to be overwhelmed by his situation.

It's a lesson we would do well to take note of. The path of a disciple is not always an easy one. As believers, we must be willing to be misunderstood, unappreciated, and oppressed. Our sights should always be set on where we are headed (eternity) not where we are (the world). We have the same charge as Jeremiah, to be living examples of the truth of God’s word, regardless of the repercussions.