Today’s Reading: Jeremiah 10–12, John 14
Scripture Focus
“Lord, there is no one like you! For you are great, and your name is full of power. Who would not fear you, O King of nations? That title belongs to you alone! Among all the wise people of the earth and in all the kingdoms of the world, there is no one like you.”
— Jeremiah 10:6–7 (NLT)
“But the Lord is the only true God. He is the living God and the everlasting King! The whole earth trembles at his anger. The nations cannot stand up to his wrath.”
— Jeremiah 10:10 (NLT)
“Lord, you always give me justice when I bring a case before you. So let me bring you this complaint: Why are the wicked so prosperous? Why are evil people so happy? You have planted them, and they have taken root and prospered. Your name is on their lips, but you are far from their hearts. But as for me, Lord, you know my heart. You see me and test my thoughts. Drag these people away like sheep to be butchered! Set them aside to be slaughtered! How long must this land mourn? Even the grass in the fields has withered. The wild animals and birds have disappeared because of the evil in the land. For the people have said, “The Lord doesn’t see what’s ahead for us!””
— Jeremiah 12:1–4 (NLT)
““If racing against mere men makes you tired, how will you race against horses? If you stumble and fall on open ground, what will you do in the thickets near the Jordan?”
— Jeremiah 12:5 (NLT)
““Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? … Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. If you had really known me, you would know who my Father is. From now on, you do know him and have seen him!” … Jesus replied, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and yet you still don’t know who I am? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father! So why are you asking me to show him to you? … “If you love me, obey my commandments. … Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them, and I will love them and reveal myself to each of them.” … Jesus replied, “All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them. Anyone who doesn’t love me will not obey me. And remember, my words are not my own. What I am telling you is from the Father who sent me. … “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”
— John 14:1–2, 6–7, 9, 15, 21, 23–24, 27 (NLT)
Reflection
As I read through these passages, I see the heart of God shining through: He longs for His people to walk in loving obedience.
In Jeremiah’s time, the people had God’s name on their lips but their hearts were far from Him (Jer. 12:2). They broke the covenant, not because they didn’t know His laws, but because they didn’t truly love Him. And God’s response? He reminds them who He is — the only true God, the everlasting King, the One before whom all nations tremble (Jer. 10:6–10). He wanted their hearts, not just their religious words.
Then, centuries later, Jesus echoes the same message: “If you love Me, obey My commandments.” (John 14:15).
This isn’t about cold rule-keeping; it’s about love. Real love for Jesus shows itself through obedience.
And here’s the beautiful truth: Obedience isn’t a heavy burden; it’s the doorway to His peace, His strength, and His rest.
When we obey Him — especially in the middle of trials — we step into the very promises He offers: His presence, His joy, His guidance, and His peace.
What does He actually call us to obey?
Here are just some of the things Jesus said — commands that become lifelines in trials:
- “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28–29)
- “Cast all your cares on Me.” (1 Peter 5:7)
- “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in Me.” (John 14:1)
- “Abide in Me, and I will abide in you.” (John 15:4)
- “Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
- “Be anxious for nothing… but in everything, by prayer and petition, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6–7)
- “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33)
- “Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” (Luke 6:37)
- “Love one another as I have loved you.” (John 13:34)
- “Take up your cross daily and follow Me.” (Luke 9:23)
- “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened.” (Matthew 7:7)
- “Remain in My love… so that My joy may be in you and your joy may be full.” (John 15:9–11)
- “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you… Do not be troubled or afraid.” (John 14:27)
- Do this in remembrance of Me. - come to communion - always
Each of these is both a command and an invitation. When we obey them, we don’t just follow rules — we step into His presence, where peace lives.
Lesson for Me
Knowing Jesus changes everything. If I truly love Him, I will obey Him — not out of fear or ritual, but because my heart belongs to Him.
Application Questions
- Are there areas in my life where I am “saying His name” but not actually living in obedience?
- Which of Jesus’ commands (loving, forgiving, serving, going, etc.) am I struggling most to live out?
- How can I invite the Holy Spirit to help me walk in deeper obedience this week?
Prayer 🙏
Lord, You are the only true God — holy, powerful, and worthy of all my devotion. Forgive me for the times I have spoken Your name but lived for myself. Teach me to obey You out of love, not obligation. Help me to walk in Your ways, live by Your truth, and rest in Your peace. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Wait on God
Sit quietly before the Lord. Ask Him:
“Lord, what are You calling me to obey You in right now?”
Journal what He speaks to your heart.
Takeaway:
Loving Jesus means obeying Him — not out of duty, but as a response to who He is: the only true God, the everlasting King, and the One who gave Himself for me.