What lessons can we learn about obedience from Jeremiah 35:17? The Context • Jeremiah 35 records how the Rechabite family obeyed the command of their forefather Jonadab not to drink wine or settle permanently. • God contrasts their steadfast obedience with Judah’s stubborn refusal to heed His prophetic warnings. • The comparison becomes a living illustration: if a human father’s words are honored for generations, how much more should the people obey the eternal word of the LORD. Key Verse “Therefore this is what the LORD God of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: ‘Behold, I am bringing on Judah and on all the residents of Jerusalem every disaster I have pronounced against them, because I spoke to them, but they did not listen, and I called to them, but they did not answer.’” (Jeremiah 35:17) Lessons on Obedience • God speaks clearly and expects a response – “I spoke to them, but they did not listen.” – Echoes of Deuteronomy 28:1–2, 15, where blessing or curse hinges on hearing and obeying. • Obedience is measured by action, not intention – “I called to them, but they did not answer.” – Compare James 1:22: “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” • Refusal to obey invites certain consequences – “I am bringing on Judah… every disaster I have pronounced.” – God’s judgments are not arbitrary; they fulfill earlier warnings (Leviticus 26:14–33). • God’s patience has limits – Multiple calls precede judgment, showing divine longsuffering (2 Peter 3:9). – Persistent rebellion eventually meets the justice foretold. • Obedience is a covenant obligation, not a suggestion – Judah’s covenant with God required wholehearted submission (Exodus 19:5; Jeremiah 11:3–4). – Disobedience breaks fellowship and forfeits promised protection. • Human examples reinforce divine expectations – The Rechabites’ fidelity highlights Judah’s guilt. – God still raises living testimonies today—believers who model uncompromising obedience encourage and challenge the wider church (Philippians 2:15). Living It Out Today • Cultivate a listening heart—regular, reverent exposure to Scripture positions us to hear God’s voice (Psalm 119:9–11). • Respond promptly—obey the first time rather than delaying until convenient; delayed obedience often becomes disobedience. • Remember consequences—both positive (John 14:21) and negative (Hebrews 12:25). • Seek accountability—surround yourself with modern “Rechabites,” believers who value faithfulness over cultural pressure (Hebrews 10:24–25). • Pray for a tender conscience—ask the Spirit to make you quick to repent and eager to comply (Ezekiel 36:27; Galatians 5:16). Jeremiah 35:17 stands as a sober reminder: the God who speaks expects His people to heed, and His faithfulness guarantees that blessings follow obedience while unrepentant disobedience invites certain judgment. |
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