In my recent study of Scripture, I came across a passage in Jeremiah that struck me. God had given Jeremiah a prophecy, which his secretary transcribed. It foretold exile and judgment—not a positive message, but God’s honest response to His rebellious people. The scroll was first read to the king’s counselors. They ordered that it be kept safely, but when they told the king about it, he ordered it burned. Once again, God instructed Jeremiah to have his secretary write the words of judgment, adding further judgment specifically for the king. This time, the scroll was read before the king himself. Scripture says that as each section was read, the king cut it off and threw it into the fire. This struck me because, somehow, the king seemed to believe he could burn away the truth of what was coming. Perhaps he thought that if he destroyed the words and refused to concern himself with what they foretold, then they would not come to pass.

Interestingly, other kings also received such messages and responded in different ways. Some tried to kill the prophet rather than destroy the scroll. Others listened, repented, and pleaded with God to withhold judgment. Many times, when they humbled themselves and cried out for mercy, He showed them mercy. In fact, the father of the king who burned the scroll had interceded before God, and judgment did not come during his lifetime because of his plea. Yet it never seemed to occur to the son who burned the scroll that he, too, should plead for mercy.

Throughout Scripture, we find many examples of impending judgment foretold when a nation refused to repent. People generally responded in one of three ways. Some gave no response at all, simply ignoring what was said by prophets, priests, and kings. Others attacked the message—whether by burning the scroll or trying to kill the prophets. Still others repented and pleaded with God for mercy.

The first two responses do not end well. Whether people attack the prophet and the prophecy or ignore them entirely, one truth remains unchanged: God does what He says. It is like hearing that severe storms and tornadoes are likely in your area. The warnings grow stronger, and finally the sirens sound. Yet even then, some people refuse to listen. They assume it will not happen to them or fail to take the danger seriously. But their denial does not prevent the devastation. The same is true of hurricane warnings. Often the storm turns or the damage is less severe than expected, but there is always the possibility that it will remain on its predicted path and will have catastrophic impacts. Ignoring a warning of impending danger is never a wise response, especially from a reliable source. The same is true of ignoring God’s warnings. He has given His own signs and sirens, so to speak, and He has said they will be evident to those who are watching. Ignoring or denying the truth does not change it. It certainly did not change the outcome for the king who burned the scroll. Just as the prophecy declared, he died, his body was left exposed and unburied, his sons were carried into exile, and his nation fell. The foretold seventy years came to pass.

I believe these accounts were preserved in Scripture as a lesson for us all. We see how kings, counselors, and ordinary people in the Old Testament responded to the warnings God gave. Just as events were foretold to them through the prophets, we have also been given promises and prophecies in Scripture—including an entire book that speaks of the end times. We must choose how we will respond to the message we have received. Many will likely ignore it, while others will attack it or try to discredit it. Yet their response cannot change the truth or prevent what has been foretold from coming to pass. 

It is important that we guard our hearts and examine how we respond to God’s warnings. We should respond with repentance and cries for mercy—not only for ourselves, but also for those who are still unsaved. We should watch for the signs and remain mindful that God will do what He has said, even if it unfolds in His timing. We should also remember that people’s responses to truth are no different now than they have always been. There will be those who deny, ignore, attack, discredit, or simply refuse to care. Their indifference will not change what is coming, nor should it diminish our watchfulness. I have said it before, and I will say it again: my fellow believers, we must be ready. We must keep our eyes open and remain watchful, and we must keep our hearts humble and repentant before an awesome God who always does what He has said He will do.