Faithful And Obedient To The End
BRD REFLECTIONS
Jeremiah 35 and Psalm 39 (NIV)
(Violet Kong,Companions in Christ Facilitator, Discipleship & Nurture)
READ:
Jeremiah 35 and Psalm 39 (NIV)
OBSERVE:
The word of the Lord came to Jeremiah to invite the family of the Rekabites and give them wine to drink (v2). However, they refused to drink the wine that Jeremiah offered because their forefather Jehonadab had commanded them and their descendants not to drink wine. The Rekabites’ faith and obedience to their forefather were unshakeable. They had obeyed everything their forefather had commanded, including not to build houses, sow seed or plant vineyards and to always live in tents. (v6-10).
In contrast, God was disappointed with the people of Judah, and with Jerusalem, for He had spoken to them again and again through His servants the prophets, to warn them to turn away from their wickedness and not to serve other gods. However, the people had not paid attention nor listened to God (v15). Therefore, God pronounced He would bring disaster upon the people of Judah and everyone living in Jerusalem for they had not heard nor answered the Lord (v17).
God honoured the family of the Rekabites for they had obeyed the command of their forefather Jehonadab and had followed all his instructions and done everything he ordered. God promised that the sons of Jehonadab would have a place to serve Him (v18-19).
APPLY:
I am reminded of God’s loving-kindness as recorded in Psalm 86:15 – “But you, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.”
Because of God’s grace and mercy, He had spoken to His people again and again but they refused to obey. Their disobedience grieved God.
God desires a personal relationship with me, and He speaks to me through the Bible, prayer, circumstances and the church. I have learnt that it is important to be attentive to the Lord’s voice, to be obedient and to do His will.
DO:
I will devote myself to growing in my relationship with God by studying His word, and praying to Him. With the help of the Holy Spirit, I will be more attentive to what God is saying to me and seek to obey Him.
PRAY:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word. Please grant me listening ears and a willing heart to obey and do the things that please You. May Your Holy Spirit guide me all the days of my life as I cling on to Your Word. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
