What can we learn about obedience from Jeremiah's actions in Jeremiah 32:6? Setting the Scene Jeremiah sits confined in the court of the guard while Jerusalem is under siege. In that tense moment we read: “Jeremiah replied, ‘The word of the LORD came to me,’” (Jeremiah 32:6). What Jeremiah Actually Did • Recognized God’s voice in real time. • Publicly acknowledged that the message he carried was not his own. • Prepared to act on the revelation before it fully unfolded (verses 7–15 show the costly step of buying land in a city about to fall). Why It Matters • Obedience begins not with doing but with hearing. Jeremiah’s first move was simply to receive and affirm God’s word. • The prophet’s readiness to obey came amid personal restriction and national crisis—reminding us that circumstances never nullify God’s commands. • By stating, “The word of the LORD came to me,” Jeremiah places divine authority over personal preference, reputation, or safety. Timeless Principles of Obedience 1. Hear God Clearly – God speaks through His written Word today (2 Timothy 3:16). 2. Acknowledge His Authority – “But Samuel replied: ‘Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obedience to His voice? ...’” (1 Samuel 15:22). 3. Act Despite Circumstances – Noah built the ark while judgment was still unseen (Genesis 6:22). 4. Obedience Confirms Relationship – “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15). Echoes Throughout Scripture • Abraham rose early to offer Isaac once God spoke (Genesis 22:3). • Peter cast the net again “at Your word” and hauled in a catch (Luke 5:5–6). • Paul did not confer with flesh and blood after Christ’s revelation but went where commanded (Galatians 1:15–17). Taking It Home Jeremiah’s simple declaration in verse 6 models a life tuned to God’s frequency. True obedience: • Listens first. • Submits immediately. • Trusts completely—regardless of external pressure. Embrace the pattern: hear, affirm, act. That is the heartbeat of biblical obedience. |
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