How does Jeremiah 32:13 emphasize the importance of following God's commands today? Setting the scene Jeremiah has just obeyed the LORD by purchasing a field in besieged, soon-to-fall Jerusalem. In front of witnesses he hands the deed to his scribe Baruch. Verse 13 records the moment Jeremiah gives Baruch very specific instructions—details that came straight from God. Key observations from Jeremiah 32:13 “In their presence I instructed Baruch, saying,” • The instruction is public: “In their presence.” • Jeremiah acts immediately: “I instructed.” • The order comes with authority: verse 14 will begin, “Thus says the LORD of Hosts.” Taken together, the verse spotlights careful, visible, unquestioning obedience. Timeless truths on obeying God’s commands • God expects precise obedience, not vague agreement (cf. Deuteronomy 28:1). • Obedience often carries a future focus—preserving a deed “so they will last many days” (v. 14) underscores faith in promises not yet seen (Hebrews 11:1). • Public faithfulness strengthens community confidence in God (Joshua 24:15). • Recording and safeguarding what God says shows we believe His words endure (Isaiah 40:8). Why this matters for us today • Scripture is the written “deed” of our inheritance; handle it carefully, store it faithfully, live it openly (2 Timothy 2:15). • When culture seems to be crumbling—as Jerusalem’s walls were—obeying God’s specific commands testifies that His future is secure (Jeremiah 29:11). • Small acts of faithfulness—signing a deed, signing a check, signing a marriage license—become sermons in themselves when done at God’s direction (Colossians 3:17). • Obedience today invites others to witness God’s faithfulness tomorrow (Psalm 78:6-7). Practical ways to respond • Read God’s instructions regularly; write down what He highlights (James 1:22-25). • Act on promptings without delay—big or small—trusting His larger purpose (John 14:15). • Make obedience visible: let family, friends, and church see you follow through (Matthew 5:16). • Preserve testimonies of God’s work—journals, legal documents, family records—so future generations remember His faithfulness (Psalm 145:4). |
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