And whenever Jehudi read three or four columns of the scroll, the king would cut them off with a scribe’s knife and throw them into the firepot until the whole scroll was burned up. — Jeremiah 36:23
Here’s a little-known biblical incident. King Jehoiakim was annoyed by Jeremiah, because the prophet proclaimed judgment on the nation and didn’t support the king’s agenda. (Seems like monarchs/presidents have always had a problem with unfavorable media.) One time Jeremiah had a particularly harsh prophecy written down in a scroll and sent to the king. Instead of listening and taking the message seriously, Jehoiakim simply cut it to pieces and threw them into the fire. That way the ruler didn’t have to be reminded that what God wanted and what he wanted were two different things.
It makes you wonder: What are the places in the Bible where your lifestyle and attitudes would be easier if you could take scissors, cut them out, and throw them into a fire pit?
That would be a great question to take with you this week. It’s great because it makes you do two things.
- What passages annoy me, and why?
- Am I understanding them correctly and, if so, then what am I going to do about it?
Many annoying passages are found in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). Do I really want to forgive people who hurt me, as well as pray for them? Other annoying passages confront how I want to see God, such as the thought there could be a literal hell.
Regardless, this little exercise reminds us that there is always an uncomfortable, confrontational edge to Scripture. If we ignore that, we shut ourselves off to the fullness of Jesus’ message to us today.
There are many things that I read in the Bible which prompt many questions in my mind. I don’t know if that is an annoyance or just a desire to find answers.
This would make a great topic for a Bible class or a discussion group, wouldn’t it? I know I have plenty of questions and comments!