Scripture
"And when Jeremiah finished speaking all that the Lord had commanded him to speak to all the people, the priests and the prophets and all the people seized him, saying, "You must die!" (Jeremiah 26:8)
Observation
Jeremiah was faithful to do exactly as the Lord had commanded. In verse 2 he was warned to speak to the people all that was commanded of him and "do not to omit a word." And for his obedience, there was no "love offering" taken, there were no gifts of appreciation or words of affirmation and encouragement, there were only death threats that awaited him. But notice how Jeremiah chose to respond: "Amend your ways and your deeds and obey the voice of the Lord, your God... but as for me, behold, I am in your hands; do with me as is good and right in your sight." (Jer. 26:13-14). His faith wasn't shattered and his conviction to follow the Lord fully never wavered.
Application
Sometimes following faithfully the ways of God will produce results we weren't exactly expecting.
We extend forgiveness to another, just as the Lord directed us, but none is extended back to us;
We try to be faithful parents, but our children still don't appreciate us;
We faithfully stay true to our spouse, but the feeling isn't reciprocated in return;
We pray for healing of a loved one, that only results in death.
What should be our response when our obedience meets up with shattered expectations; when the results of our obedience fail to live up to what we expected: Change our expectations.
Our motivation to move in obedience with what the Lord has asked of us, whether in our marriage, our family, our relationships, in our finances, should never be based on selfish expectations. Obedience must be generated out of a sincere desire to honor the Lord for who He is, rather than what we want. When our wants overshadow our willingness to obey, it is a one way ticket to the land of frustration. Our actions of obedience must be based upon what He said, without omitting a word, regardless of the results.
We extend forgiveness to another, just as the Lord directed us, but none is extended back to us;
We try to be faithful parents, but our children still don't appreciate us;
We faithfully stay true to our spouse, but the feeling isn't reciprocated in return;
We pray for healing of a loved one, that only results in death.
What should be our response when our obedience meets up with shattered expectations; when the results of our obedience fail to live up to what we expected: Change our expectations.
Our motivation to move in obedience with what the Lord has asked of us, whether in our marriage, our family, our relationships, in our finances, should never be based on selfish expectations. Obedience must be generated out of a sincere desire to honor the Lord for who He is, rather than what we want. When our wants overshadow our willingness to obey, it is a one way ticket to the land of frustration. Our actions of obedience must be based upon what He said, without omitting a word, regardless of the results.
Prayer
Father, may my obedience to You be exactly that today - one that is pure and undefiled by my own wants and desires. My obedience must be unconditional, just as You love me unconditionally, regardless of my response. May I honour You with my obedience today.
