What can we learn from Jeremiah's obedience to God's command in this verse? Setting the Scene: God Speaks in Real Time “At the beginning of the reign of Jehoiakim son of Josiah king of Judah, this word came to Jeremiah from the LORD.” (Jeremiah 26:1) • A new king—a new national direction. God steps in immediately, proving He governs history, not human rulers. • Jeremiah recognizes the moment as literal revelation, not a vague impression. God’s word arrives as an objective, recordable event. A Timely Word Demands Timely Obedience • The phrase “this word came” signals urgency. Jeremiah does not delay, debate, or demand clarification. • Verse 2 shows the command that followed: “Stand in the court of the LORD’s house and speak to all the cities of Judah… do not omit a word.” His obedience begins the moment the word arrives. Character Lessons from Jeremiah’s Yes • Sensitivity: He keeps his heart attuned to God’s voice even in political upheaval (cf. 1 Kings 19:12, Elijah hearing the still small voice). • Courage: Jehoiakim will soon burn Jeremiah’s scroll (Jeremiah 36:22-23), yet Jeremiah obeys before the danger appears. • Submission: Jeremiah does not edit the message. Like Paul later, he is “not ashamed of the gospel” (Romans 1:16). • Consistency: This is not a one-time act; Jeremiah will spend decades repeating God’s word despite rejection (Jeremiah 1:17-19). Links to Other Faithful Obedience • Moses at the burning bush—immediate though reluctant obedience brings deliverance (Exodus 3:10-12). • Isaiah’s “Here am I. Send me!” (Isaiah 6:8). The prophet stands ready the moment God speaks. • Peter and the apostles: “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). Jeremiah models this centuries earlier. • Jesus Himself: “I always do what pleases Him” (John 8:29). Perfect obedience sets the ultimate pattern. Practical Takeaways for Us Today • Expect God to speak through His written Word; treat it as literal and authoritative. • Respond promptly; delayed obedience quietly morphs into disobedience. • Deliver God’s truth without subtraction or embellishment, even when culture resists. • Trust that the Lord who commands also sustains; He promises, “I am with you to rescue you” (Jeremiah 1:19). Living It Out 1. Begin each day assuming God has something specific from Scripture for you to obey. 2. When conviction comes, act before convenience crowds it out. 3. Share God’s message with honesty and humility, remembering Jeremiah’s faithfulness in a hostile court. 4. Rest in the same sovereign Lord who guided Jeremiah through every king’s reign; His word still stands, and our obedience still matters. |
    |