Jeremiah chapter 36 verses 27-28 (NIV)
After the king burned the scroll containing the words that Baruch had written at Jeremiah’s dictation, the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah: “Take another scroll and write on it all the words that were on the first scroll, which Jehoiakim king of Judah burned up.
Jeremiah chapter 37 verses 1-3 (NIV)
Zedekiah son of Josiah was made king of Judah by Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon; he reigned in place of Jehoiachin son of Jehoiakim. Neither he nor his attendants nor the people of the land paid any attention to the words the LORD had spoken through Jeremiah the prophet. King Zedekiah, however, sent Jehukal son of Shelemiah with the priest Zephaniah son of Maaseiah to Jeremiah the prophet with this message: “Please pray to the LORD our God for us.
Jeremiah chapter 37 verses 16-17(NIV)
Jeremiah was put into a vaulted cell in a dungeon, where he remained a long time. Then King Zedekiah sent for him and had him brought to the palace, where he asked him privately, “Is there any word from the LORD?”“Yes,” Jeremiah replied, “you will be delivered into the hands of the king of Babylon.”
Continuing the theme of perseverance, we need look no further for an example of Godly perseverance than the life of Jeremiah.
He didn’t have an easy life yet he remained faithful to his calling. He faithfully brought God’s word to the people of Judah, yet we read that they, and the kings he served under refused to listen. He was mocked and scorned.
Yet there must have been something in his conduct that made people accept that he was under a Godly anointing. In chapter 37 we read of two occasions where King Zedekiah, who had openly mocked him, sent for him and asked him to pray for the people, and asked if there was a word from God.
Jeremiah spoke as God told him to, whether it was popular or not. I think in some ways Zedekiah was a bit like Pilate. He wasn’t prepared to take a stand as he should have.
If we persevere in our faith as Jeremiah did, even in difficult circumstances, then we too may make an impact on the people who are mocking or making things difficult for us. It can make a difference to us and to others if, like Jeremiah, if we do not give up.
Dear Lord,
Help me to follow Jeremiah’s example of faithful perseverance to Your Word. May that perseverance have an impact in pointing others to You. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.