I’ve been reading the book of Jeremiah lately and am captivated by the story in chapter 36 where Jeremiah summoned Baruch and dictated to him every message the Lord had given against Judah, Israel, and other nations. When the scroll was completed, Jeremiah requested that he take it to the temple and read it on the next day of fasting—with the hope that the people would turn away from evil.  There is no indication that Baruch questioned Jeremiah’s request, even though it was for those words, God’s words that Jeremiah was confined and not allowed to go to the temple.  After reading the scroll to the princes, they told Baruch to take Jeremiah to a secure hiding place.

When the scroll was read to the king, he had it cut up column-by-column and thrown into a fire—afterwards he ordered that Baruch and Jeremiah be seized. The king’s anger and destruction of the manuscript did not change the prophetic word of God; and God graciously hid His faithful servants.  Even as the king attempted to destroy God’s Word, proclaimed by Jeremiah long ago, the enemy continues to undermine, misrepresent, and prohibit access to the Bible.

People continue to deny and disbelieve in the justice and judgment of God—they attempt to discredit or discount the Bible because it does not fit in with their understanding of justice or their personal philosophies of what a loving God should be. Rejecting God’s Word does not change the outcome, though, because God is righteous:  “‘For I am the Lord. I speak, and the word which I speak will come to pass; it will no more be postponed; for in your days, O rebellious house, I will say the word and perform it,’ says the Lord God” (Ezekiel 12:25).

The world is going crazy with violence and terrorism, creating anxiety and fear in the hearts of many people. As Christians, we recognize the fulfillment of biblical prophecy bringing time, as we know it, rapidly to a close.  Whole societies are being threatened, not just military members, not just the Jewish people, and not just Christians—yet it would be very easy for people to turn accusing fingers towards the people of God and blame them for the violence and the problems in the world.  If you are listening and watching, you will recognize that is already happening.

According to Jesus, “distress of nations…men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth…” are evidences of His soon return.  Yet, throughout scripture God instructs His people to “Fear Not!” 

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).

“Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.  Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin?  And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will.  But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.  Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows” (Matthew 10:28-31).

“And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. ‘And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.’  But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evil doers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed.  For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil” (1 Peter 3:13-17).

I desire the unquestioning loyalty to the Word of God that Jeremiah and Baruch possessed—they did not waver in the face of banishment, persecution, imprisonment, and death.

Jeremiah was falsely accused, misrepresented, and threatened yet he made no compromise with his enemies. I am amazed at how quickly I want to defend myself to people who have made their minds up about Christianity and Christians—who will not listen because demonic forces have clouded their minds.  Our best response in those situations is to remember that it is the Holy Spirit who “will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment” (John 16:8), not us.  Our responsibility is to “love [our] enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you” (Matthew 5:44).

The violence of terrorism is unpredictable and intimidating—how does one prepare for that? I don’t believe we “prepare” as such; rather, we press in to knowing Jesus, daily walking with Him in conversation (prayer), Bible study, and taking up the full armor of God. 

“Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able

To withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth,

Having put on the breastplate of righteousness,

And having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

Above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to

Quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.

And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit,

Which is the Word of God.

Ephesians 6:13-17