Obedience ...

Here's a wonderful tribute to a tribe of people (the Recabites) who's stand out compliment is to do with their willingness to be faithful through obedience. They were known for the fact that they were instructed to "not drink wine, not to plant vines or build houses or plant crops, rather to merely live in tents." In so doing they were promised "If you follow these commands you will live long, good lives in the land." So what do you think they did? "So they obeyed in all these things."

It is interesting to find the amount of times that people start well, but fall away in the ensuing months or years. But here are a people commended for sticking to the command that had been directed to them. More than this, they are actually used here as an example for the Israel (as Jeremiah is to address both Judah and Jerusalem to "come learn a lesson about how to obey Me ..."

Have a look through the Scripture passage:  Jeremiah 35: 1-19

The lesson for us today is that firstly, we clearly discern (understand, hear, interpret) the message of instruction that God has for us today and the days ahead. Secondly that we ensure that we act upon the instruction as it is declared to us, in faithfulness and obedience. 

Here is a way that we might be an example of others to learn and also become true followers of the living God.

Be strong & courageous ...

There is a message in these verses, all from the one, same chapter, see if you might draw the same conclusion as me:

Joshua 1:6-7, 9, 18 (New Living Translation)

6 “Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors I would give them. 7 Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do.

9 This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

18 Anyone who rebels against your orders and does not obey your words and everything you command will be put to death. So be strong and courageous!”

Well I hope you have drawn the same conclusion that I have. For the Lord had a very definite message for Joshua as he took on this almost unenviable task of following Moses as the leader of the Israelites. He (Joshua) was to have confidence in the fact that God had chosen him for this purpose and on these grounds he could have strength and courage.

I love the fact that there are no mixed or clouded messages here. It is plain and simple. The repetitiveness says, this is truth, this is My (God's) promise to you. I (God) want to be clear on this fact.

There is something else though, that we must not overlook. The message from God is pointless and of no benefit to us, IF, we are not listening. And, if we are not willing, in hearing, to stand firm on His promises for us. I think Joshua is a remarkable leader. However, had he not been willing to listen and hear and apply the promises God gave him, he would have been a miserable failure.

"Lord, You implore us that in having ears we need to listen. And yet we are reminded that listening is nothing if we are not willing to act upon the direction or promises You have for us. Help me to listen. Help me to be obedient and faithful to Your message and promises for me."