Obedient Faith

The Recabit Family Obeys God

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This is what the Lord All-Powerful, the God of Israel, says: Jeremiah, go and tell the men of Judah and the people of Jerusalem: 'You should learn a lesson and obey my message,' says the Lord. 'Jonadab son of Recab ordered his descendants not to drink wine, and that command has been obeyed. Until today they have obeyed their ancestor's command; they do not drink wine.

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But I, the Lord, have given you messages again and again, but you did not obey me. I sent all my servants the prophets to you again and again, saying, "Each of you must stop doing evil. You must change and be good. Do not follow other gods to serve them. If you obey me, you will live in the land I have given to you and your ancestors." But you have not listened to me or paid attention to my message. The descendants of Jonadab son of Recab obeyed the commands their ancestor gave them, but the people of Judah have not obeyed me'

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"So the Lord God All-Powerful, the God of Israel, says: 'I will soon bring every disaster I said would come to Judah and to everyone living in Jerusalem. I spoke to those people, but they refused to listen. I called out to them, but they did not answer me.'" ( Jeremiah 35: 13:-17).

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Obedient Faith

READ Jeremiah 34:1-35:19

SITUATION Nebuchadnezzar attacked Jerusalem with a huge army. King Zedekiah of Judah fought for survival.

OBSERVATION In chapter 35 the author contrasts faithless Judah with the faithful Recabites. The obedience of the latter would be rewarded.

INSPIRATION Did you know it's not faith plus obedience that equal salvation, but obedient faith that equals salvation. True faith is verified in your obedience to God.

Because Jesus is Lord. He demands obedience. There is no faith without obedience. Paul said to the Roman Christians, "I thank my God through Jesus Christ for your all, that your faith is spoke of throughout the world world" (Romans 1:8). and why was their faith spoken of throughout the world? Romans 16:19 explains, "Your obedience has become know to all." In the beginning, it is your faith that is spread abroad, but in the end it is your obedience.

Faith that excludes obedience won't save anyone. The delusion that it will causes many people to take the broad road that leads to destruction (Matthew 7:13-14). That's like building a religious superstructure on sand (Matthew 7:21-29). Build your life in obedience to Christ. Then you'll know that you belong to Him. (From Truth for Today by John MacAuthur)

APPLICATION Have you ever promised to do something for the Lord if he would grant your request? Then you're making a demand on God; he doesn't work that way. He wants us to be loyal and obedient constantly. His answer to our prayers reflects his perfect will for us.

EXPLORATION Obedience - Genesis 2:16-17; Exodus 8:25-29; Joshua 11:15; 1 Samuel 15:1-3, 9; Matthew 23-23-24; Romans 6:17

The Devotional Bible - Experiencing the Heart of Jesus, Max Lucado General Editor, New Century Version, Thomas Nelson Bibles