Response to God's message in Jeremiah 13:3?
How should we respond when God speaks to us, as seen in Jeremiah 13:3?

The Setting in Jeremiah 13:3

“Then the word of the LORD came to me a second time, saying:” (Jeremiah 13:3)

• Jeremiah has just carried out God’s unusual order to buy and hide a linen waistband (vv. 1–2).

• Before he sees the meaning of that first command, God speaks again.

• The prophet models an alert, obedient posture—ears still open, heart still yielded.


Key Observations from the Verse

• God’s voice is personal: “the word of the LORD came to me.”

• God may repeat or add to earlier instructions: “a second time.”

• No hesitation is recorded; Jeremiah’s listening continues uninterrupted.


Principles for Responding When God Speaks

Immediate attentiveness

• Like Jeremiah, keep spiritual ears tuned. 1 Samuel 3:10—“Speak, for Your servant is listening.”

• Make space for the word through Scripture reading, quiet meditation, and gathered worship.

Humble receptivity

• God owes no explanations, yet He graciously speaks (Psalm 25:9).

• Approach His word with the posture of Isaiah 66:2—“This is the one I will esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, who trembles at My word.”

Prompt obedience

• Jeremiah’s readiness to act embodies James 1:22—“Be doers of the word, and not hearers only.”

• Obedience confirms genuine hearing (John 10:27).

Persevering responsiveness

• “A second time” suggests an ongoing dialogue, not a one-off moment.

• Stay available for fresh direction; yesterday’s faithfulness invites today’s assignment (Luke 16:10).

Trust in God’s unfolding plan

• Jeremiah obeyed before understanding the symbolism of the waistband (later explained in vv. 8–11).

• Faith accepts that clarity may follow obedience (Proverbs 3:5-6).


A Simple Checklist for Our Own Response

□ Listen daily in the Word.

□ Test what we perceive by Scripture’s sure standard (Acts 17:11).

□ Yield our will ahead of time—“yes, Lord,” before details arrive.

□ Act without delay, trusting God for results.

□ Remain teachable; God may “speak again” to adjust or deepen the assignment.


Encouraging Promises for the Listener

John 14:21—obedient lovers of Jesus receive further revelation of Him.

Luke 11:28—“Blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it.”

Hebrews 13:20-21—He equips us “in every good thing to do His will.”

When the Lord speaks, the pattern is simple yet life-changing: listen, trust, and obey—immediately and continually.

What other biblical instances show God speaking directly to His people?
Top of Page
Top of Page