“Now it came to pass in the fifth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah, in the ninth month, that they proclaimed a fast before the Lord to all the people in Jerusalem, and to all the people who came from the cities of Judah to Jerusalem. Then Baruch read from the book the words of Jeremiah in the house of the Lord, in the chamber of Gemariah the son of Shaphan the scribe, in the upper court at the entry of the New Gate of the Lord’s house, in the hearing of all the people.” Jeremiah 36:9-10
It is not clear who called this fast, only when it was called and to whom it was called. The people of Jerusalem and all who came there from Judas were called to fast. During the fast a scroll was read by Baruch to the people. The scroll contained the words spoken by God to Jeremiah.
What can I learn from this passage about fasting?
- Sometimes you need a fast to hear clearly from the Lord.
- This was a city wide fast.
- There is a time to gather with others while fasting.
- Sometimes the word spoken is for a people, not just a person.
Lord, let Your word come forth in my community. We need a move of God. We need to hear Your voice clearly. Gather us together to hear from You.
Restoring Voice 
Leave a comment