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Jeremiah 26:2 – Do Not Omit A Word
If you could, would you choose not to obey certain commands? If you could, would you choose not to believe certain truths? If you could, would you add to or take away from the Word of God?
“If you could,” is not a hypothetical question – we do it every day. It’s called sin. Granted, not all our actions are consciously done, as some sins are born of ignorance. But the effect is the same. God’s gift of free will allows us our choice to love Him and obey, or love ourselves and not obey. God freely allows us the option to not believe. Amazingly, we have the God-given ability to radically or subtlety abuse His words to fit our wants and desires. We are free because God allows us the freedom to omit, change, contradict and ignore His words. Love cannot exist without the right and freedom to choose and reject.
But there are consequences when using our freedom to turn away. God is free too! God is free to punish when we choose to be free to sin.
O.K., let’s ask the same questions again, “If you could…,” but this time let’s add more freedom – “and God doesn’t care if you do: No punishment, no consequence.”
Hmmm, let’s see now, would I, could I, change anything or everything? If I were writing the Bible, what would it look like?
Admittedly, part of me immediately says, “Oh yeah!” But then another part of me – the better part – reminds me that God’s commands are not for His benefit, but for mine. Yes, even the commands I don’t like are ultimately for my betterment (Deuteronomy 6:24).
- Deut. 6:24 – “So the Lord commanded us to observe all these statutes, to fear the Lord our God for our good always and for our survival, as it is today.
- Jeremiah 32:39 – and I will give them one heart and one way, that they may fear Me always, for their own good and for the good of their children after them.
When I wrongfully choose to omit, to disbelieve, to disobey, I am in reality hurting myself.
- Jeremiah 26:19 – “Did Hezekiah king of Judah and all Judah put him to death? Did he not fear the Lord and entreat the favor of the Lord, and the Lord changed His mind about the misfortune which He had pronounced against them? But we are committing a great evil against ourselves.”
Sin is called evil not only because it is against God, but because it hurts us. Ultimately, choosing to sin is choosing to hurt myself.
When I sin, God calls for me to repent, to “amend” (Jeremiah 26:13) my ways – and yes, even that is for my own good. Look at the word, “amend” (yatab) (Jeremiah 26:13), it means to “make well.” Following God is good. Following God is for me. Following God…whether I know it or not…whether I like it or not…is what I need and should want.
For my own sake, I cannot, nor should not, nor even desire to change anything – not even a word. For my own sake, I must submit my mind, actions, desires and will to every word of God.
Because of this, we need to focus our attention that the “Word of God” (is in fact) the “words of God.” Pick up your Bible, read the words carefully and thoughtfully, focus both on what is said and Who is saying it. Reflect on the fact God is speaking to you for your good. The Almighty is speaking; dare I have the audacity to change His words? Dare I even want to? I dare not omit a word (Jeremiah 26:2).
“Thus says the LORD, ‘Stand in the court of the LORD’S house, and speak to all the cities of Judah who have come to worship in the LORD’S house all the words that I have commanded you to speak to them. Do not omit a word!
(Jeremiah 26:2 NASB)
Every word of God is important. Verbal Inspiration is true. “Do not omit a word!” is a refrain heard elsewhere in the Bible, yet in different words. Paul preached, “the whole purpose of God” (Acts 20:27). John warned readers not to add to nor take away “from the words of the prophecy of this book” (Revelation 22:18-19).
“Do not omit a word” is imperative because each word is God’s. Even though we may have the power to “omit a word”, we can’t and should not want to. “Do not omit a word” because each word is God’s word and each word is for our own good. God chose His words for us – every single word.
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