Jeremiah 36:23 “As Jehudi read three or four columns, the king would cut them off with a knife and throw them into the fire in the fire pot, until the entire scroll was consumed in the fire that was in the fire pot.”

God instructed Jeremiah to write the words of prophecy and present them to the people and the king. When the words got to the king, Jehoiakim, he cut the scroll up and burnt it in a fire. The text goes on to say that neither the king nor his servants were afraid. Talking about gall! Would a king of Judah be so foolish as to burn the words of God presented by God’s prophet? Is this the way to deal with God’s commands when we disagree with Him? Just like the table of stone was replaced by Moses, so was this scroll. Neither kings nor peasants can void the word of God by setting a match to it.

Jehoiakim did not go unpunished for what he did, and burning the scroll did not stop the prophecy from coming true. You cannot change God’s words with a pair of scissors or a box of matches. I heard of a lady who tried the scissors trick with the word baptism because she was told it was in the New Testament. Her answer was, “No, it’s not.” “Baptism which corresponds to this, now saves you…” (1 Peter 3:21) is still in the book. Jesus still means what He said as recorded in Mark 16:16, “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved…” The command given to Paul on the road to Damascus will not change either. He was told, “And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.” (Acts 22:16)

Whatever word or command you don’t like can be cut out, erased, or ignored, but the consequences of that word or command will still exist. Keep that in mind when you begin to question God’s word.

Task for Today: God’s revelation to His new people is found in the New Testament writings. Obey those words. God’s plan is set forth in plain everyday language, best to heed it. Regardless of what preachers or teachers, or significant others may say, God has the last word. Don’t be a Jehoiakim, it won’t change God’s mind.