Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Jeremiah 36 - Proclaim God's Word

One way or another, the people will hear the word of the LORD. They didn't listen to Jeremiah. He was restricted from the temple because of his preaching. Now, he has Baruch write down his sermons and bring them to the temple to read. Baruch is questioned. Are these not Jeremiah's sermons? Baruch is advised that he and Jeremiah ought to get out of town and hide as this will be reported to the king. It surely was. The king burns the scroll containing the word of the LORD and puts out a warrant for Baruch and Jeremiah. But, even as the LORD has hidden them, Jeremiah and Baruch write yet another scroll with the word of the LORD on it so that all may hear and turn to God.

In Matthew 24:10-14 Jesus tells his followers: "At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come."

Whatever it takes... speak it; write it; send it in letters; post in on the lamp post; or even the door to the church; Facebook it; tweet it; but, get the word out. Proclaim the gospel of the kingdom as a testimony to the whole world, to all people. Just as in Jeremiah's day, you may well be persecuted for speaking the truth. You may end up in hiding for awhile. Luther did. There are faithful children of God in this world, even today, who are even put to death for the proclamation of the Good News. Kings really don't like having another kingdom proclaimed. Whatever it takes, proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God for all who believe, through Jesus Christ, our LORD.

Jeremiah attempted to get the word out by use of the law; but, we have a message that is not one of impending doom. It is a message of grace. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16) That is, eternal life in the Kingdom of God where we live completely, totally, in His presence.

God's Peace - Pr. J

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