“One Year Bible” Old Testament Passage
Jeremiah 19:1-21:14
Then I said, “I will not make mention of Him, nor speak anymore in His name.” But His Word was in my heart like a burning fire shut up in my bones; I was weary of holding it back and I could not. Jeremiah 20:9 (NKJV)
There are many vivid images in Scripture for the Word of God. The Word is described as light, as a lamp, as bread and as water. A little later in Jeremiah, the prophet says that God’s Word is like a hammer that shatters rock (Jer. 23:29). In that same passage, we are told that the Word of God is like a FIRE.
Here today, Jeremiah EXPERIENCES the fire of God’s Word “shut up in his bones.” God’s Word is like a fire. In this passage, Jeremiah has the Word working in His life, but is refusing to release it! There are interesting insights here.
First, God’s Word is ACTIVE. We should not expect the Word of God to be simply information that we can learn and store passively. Hebrews 4:12 says that God’s Word is living and powerful. It always moves inside of you. As you read and meditate on Scripture today, you should realize that God will through His Word MOVE YOU.
Secondly, the Word of God goes DEEP INSIDE YOU. Jeremiah speaks of it being “in my bones.” God’s Word is not peripheral. God reaches to the core of who you are. He speaks to the base of your being. There is an interior resonance, a chord that the Word strikes in us.
Lastly, God’s Word will accomplish that for which it is sent (Is. 55:11)! You cannot hold it back. It is EFFECTIVE. I am so glad that my hope rests not in myself or my ability, but in the faithfulness of God and His Word.