We will listen

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"Whether it is pleasant or unpleasant, we will listen to the voice of the LORD our God.." - (Jer. 42:6, NASB)

   If we were to be honest with ourselves, we would have to admit that there are some things that the LORD tells us that are just not comfortable. Most people want to hear those things in the Word of God which speak of blessing, prosperity, and favor, and skip over the parts of sacrifice, judgment, or suffering. This is what Jeremiah's world was like. Jeremiah had the difficult task of preaching "doom" to God's people. And, like many today, they did not want to hear the message. Some member of royalty would send for Jeremiah to hear "God's Word". Jeremiah would come and tell them God's Word, but on most occasions they did not like the message, so they discarded it. King Zedekiah is a great example. Jeremiah kept telling him if he submitted to Nebuchadnezzar and went into captivity, he would live and always have a man on the throne. However, when Zedekiah saw Nebuchadnezzar coming to take Jerusalem, he fled the city, only to be captured, have his family slaughtered before his eyes, then have his own eyes gouged out. This is not a pleasant thought, but it is historical fact.
   In the verse above, a group of Israelites not taken into captivity came to Jeremiah to seek the LORD's direction. Their words in the above verse come before they get an answer. This is significant and noteworthy. They had no idea what Jeremiah would come back and tell them, but were determined to follow it to the letter. It would be a great end to the story if I were to tell you that they followed the direction of the LORD, but they did not. In fact, they accused Jeremiah of lying to them, and they rejected God's Word, as had been the pattern of God's people for years.  
   We want to hear the Word of God as long as it does not inconvenience us, bring us into sacrifice or suffering, or is contrary to our own desires. Some might say, the Bible tells us, "…He will give you the desires of your heart."  (Psalm 37:4, NASB) This is true; however,  the whole verse states, " Delight yourself in the LORD; And He will give you the desires of your heart." God gives us the desires of our heart when they line up with His desires. The only way that happens is when we walk with Him. We conveniently discard the parts of the Bible that we do not like. God has never given a blank check to a people bent on disobedience. The truth is that, even when God speaks something unpleasant to us, it is always for His glory and our edification (building up). God is looking out for His people. If we will only learn to trust His words, even the tough ones.

May the LORD bless you as you seek His Words

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