"To whom the word of the LORD came"
Text: Jeremiah 1:2
KNOWLEDGE OF GOD
The Apostle Paul penned a significant observation about knowing God.
“Because what may be known of God is manifest in them,
for God has shown it to them.
For since the creation of the world
His invisible attributes are clearly seen,
being understood by the things that are made,
even His eternal power and Godhead,
so that they are without excuse.”
Romans 1:19-20
1. It is possible to know God
a) In seeing creation, we see the Creator.
b) God has revealed Himself to mankind in many ways.
2. What we may discover about God
a) His eternal power
b) His Godhead
THE REVELATION OF THE WORD OF GOD
Besides general revelation, God has revealed Himself to His servants, the prophets. Jeremiah was in a long line of prophets to whom God had revealed His word.
“To whom the word of the LORD came
in the days of Josiah the son of Amon, king of Judah,
in the thirteenth year of his reign.”
Jeremiah 1:2
1. “To whom the word of the LORD came”
a) “To whom”
This is a reference to Jeremiah (Jeremiah 1:1)
b) What this word of the LORD was not:
i) This is not a reference to the law of Moses.
ii) The written Word was already in existence.
iii) It was meant to be read by the kings (Deuteronomy 17:18-20).
iv) Sadly, few had read the law of Moses.
v) At one stage, the Law was actually lost.
vi) It was discovered by Hilkiah, the father of Jeremiah (2 Chronicles 34:14).
c) What this Word of the LORD was:
i) This was a special word from God.
ii) It was a direct and relevant word from the LORD.
iii) It was meant to instruct Jeremiah and to prepare him for his prophetic ministry.
2. In the reign of Josiah
a) This was the king to whom the re-discovered law of Moses was presented (2 Chronicles 34).
b) Josiah, upon reading the Law of Moses immediately instituted reforms.
The following may be highlighted:
i) He read the Law of Moses to all the people in Jerusalem (elders, priests, Levites). (2 Chronicles 34:30)
ii) He made a covenant for the whole nation to follow the LORD. (2 Chronicles 34:31)
iii) He removed all the idols from the land. (2 Chronicles 34:33)