What does "whether it is pleasant or unpleasant" teach about following God's commands? Setting the Scene: Jeremiah 42:6 • After Jerusalem’s fall, a remnant of Judah asks Jeremiah to seek the LORD’s guidance about their future. • They pledge, “Whether it is pleasant or unpleasant, we will obey the voice of the LORD our God…” (Jeremiah 42:6). • The phrase frames a wholehearted promise of obedience before they even know what God will say. Understanding the Phrase: An Unqualified Commitment • “Whether it is pleasant” – readiness to embrace instructions that agree with personal desires, hopes, or comfort. • “Or unpleasant” – resolve to submit even when commands clash with feelings, plans, or perceived safety. • Together the words reveal that obedience is measured not by how palatable a directive is, but by Who gives it. Lessons for Our Walk Today • God’s authority transcends our preferences. Obedience is not a negotiation (Luke 6:46). • True discipleship means pre-deciding to obey before hearing the specifics (Exodus 24:7; John 14:15). • Blessing is tied to obedience, not to comfort: “that it may go well with us” (Jeremiah 42:6; Deuteronomy 28:1-2). • Faith trusts that even “unpleasant” commands are wise, loving, and ultimately for our good (Romans 8:28; 1 John 5:3). Practical Steps to Live It Out • Daily surrender: begin each day affirming, “Whatever You show me in Your Word, I will do.” • Scripture intake first, feelings second: let God’s Word set the agenda before emotions weigh in (James 1:22). • Small acts of immediate obedience build the reflex to obey in larger, costlier matters (Luke 16:10). • Seek accountability: invite mature believers to speak truth if you drift toward selective obedience (Hebrews 10:24-25). Cautionary Tale: What Happened Next? • Despite their vow, the remnant disobeyed and fled to Egypt (Jeremiah 43:1-7). • The outcome underscores that good intentions without follow-through bring loss, not protection (Jeremiah 44:27-28). • Their story warns against promising loyalty only to revert when obedience proves difficult. Encouragement from Other Scriptures • Acts 5:29 — “We must obey God rather than men.” • Psalm 119:60 — “I hurried without hesitating to keep Your commandments.” • Joshua 24:24 — “The LORD our God we will serve, and His voice we will obey.” Whether His word feels “pleasant or unpleasant,” the call remains: hear, trust, and obey—confident that the One who commands is unfailingly good. |
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