The Book that burns

Today: Jeremiah 35-37

A few weeks ago I watched the movie "The Book of Eli" for the first time. In a post-apocalyptic world, the lead character (played by Denzel Washington) is fighting for survival and aiming to protect the Book that sustains him everyday--the world's last copy of the Bible.

I'm not going to give away the movie, but I will say that because of the Book and its power, Denzel's character is on the run. His nemesis wants to find the Book and keep it for himself--or destroy it. He knows the Book can revolutionize people's lives and bring them freedom--and Denzel's rival wants to be in control.

"The Book of Eli" is a fictional movie, but I was surprised to see some strong resemblances to today's passage. Jeremiah brings the Word of God to His people via a scroll transcribed by a guy named Baruch. Baruch reads God's Message in the Temple. When the king hears it, he orders that it be burned. Burned.

This part of the story--and "The Book of Eli" parallels--once again made me realize just how powerful God's Word is. There are people who view the Bible like just another book. They see it just the same as they would see "Twilight," "Pride & Prejudice" or "Uncle Tom's Cabin." Arguably, all of those books are powerful--but the Bible is the only one that is a God-breathed message. It may be formatted as a book, but it's a sword that pierces hearts. People have died for it. Others have given their lives for a chance to read it firsthand. Some people have tried to hide it or to keep it hidden from the masses--not just during the Dark Ages, but right now in 2010.

God's Word is a book that burns--literally and spiritually. When it's branded on your heart, no one can take it away. Don't underestimate its power in your life and in the lives of others around you.

Tomorrow: Jeremiah 38-41