Jeremiah may give us more “behind the scenes” insight into the writing of Scripture than any
other Bible book. At first, he spoke his messages. In today’s passage, we read that, at God’s
direction, Jeremiah put his message in writing (Baruch, a skilled scribe, did the actual pen work).
Baruch went beyond “scribing,” and read God’s word publicly in the Temple.

• “A time of fasting was proclaimed” (verse 9). Some responded to Jeremiah’s message by seeking repentance. Most often in the Bible, fasting meant giving up food for a certain time. We can “fast” by giving up anything that draws our focus away from God (not just food) and using that time and energy to pray, read the Bible, worship, meditate, or serve. Choose a time this week to fast from something so as to draw nearer to God.
• When Jeremiah was restricted, he asked Baruch to read God’s message aloud in the Temple for him. It is often hard for us to ask for help, even when we need it. In what areas of your life can you ask for help? What fears make it hard for you to seek help?