Despising the Word of the Lord

Despising the Word of the Lord
Jer 36:23 And it came to pass, that when Jehudi had read three or four leaves, he cut it with the penknife, and cast it into the fire that was on the hearth, until all the roll was consumed in the fire that was on the hearth.

Jehudi's mistreatment of the Word of God. (He did this on behalf of King Jehoiakim)

1. He only read 3 or 4 leaves and had had enough.
The Word of God must be taken, and understood as a whole. Taking a portion out of context does more harm than good. There is no way the king could have understood how jealous God was over his people by having only 4 pages read to him.

2. He cut it with a penknife, no doubt removing the parts he didn't like.
Religious people included, many gladly accept the milk and honey of the Word but reject the dire warnings concerning sin and idolatry.

3. He burned it in the fire, such was his rage and anger.
Our generation just misplaces the Bible, for a year or 10. “Out of sight, out of mind.”

4. He went after the messenger.
If you don't like the message, give the preacher what for. This is nothing new, is it?

As to how people went after the messenger, see 38:6, Then took they Jeremiah, and cast him into the dungeon of Malchiah the son of Hammelech, that was in the court of the prison: and they let down Jeremiah with cords. And in the dungeon there was no water, but mire: so Jeremiah sunk in the mire.

Oh, Lord, that people's eyes would be opened that they may see your Word as life and truth!