Obedience, trust, faith! When used about God, these words must go beyond mere feelings or emotions. You either believe or you don't. There is no middle ground. Granted, it is a learning process but the cost is high when we doubt or stray. Jeremiah 42:6 is a bold claim from the people of Judah. They are good words but apparently they were based on momentary fear or need: "Whether it is pleasant or unpleasant, we will listen to the voice of the LORD our God to Whom we are sending you, so that it may go well with us when we listen to the voice of the LORD our God." Great advice: "whether it is pleasant or unpleasant, we will listen..." They knew the benefits of obedience yet going to Egypt was a temptation that held greater sway. So in the same chapter, verse 20, Jeremiah tells them: "you have gone astray at the cost of your lives."
Recently, our pastor warned from the book of Proverbs, chapter 7, to be proactive in guarding against temptation and sin: "Suddenly he follows her as an ox goes to the slaughter, or as one in fetters to the discipline of a fool, until an arrow pierces through his liver; as a bird hastens to the snare, so he does not know that it will cost him his life."
Men ignore the warnings of God to the detriment of their eternal destiny! They have "gone astray at the cost of their lives." Faith comes by hearing God's Word. Trust comes by learning God's dealings with man in His Word. And obedience comes as a result of our growing love for Him Who loved us enough to make every provision for our eternal safety. It doesn't get any better than that!!
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