RTW 2022

But neither King Zedekiah nor his attendants nor the people who were left in the land listened to what the LORD said through Jeremiah.
Jeremiah 37:2

Ya’ll, I had to share some other translations.

But Zedekiah, his officials, and everyone else in Judah ignored everything the LORD had told me.
Jeremiah 37:2 (CEV)

But neither he nor his servants nor the people of the land listened to and obeyed the words of the LORD which He spoke through the prophet Jeremiah.
Jeremiah 37:2 (AMPC)

But Zedekiah, his servants, and the people of Judah did not pay attention to the messages the LORD had given to Jeremiah the prophet.
Jeremiah 37:2 (ERV)

The whys we ignore, neither listen to nor obey, and do not pay attention to what God says.

Obedience is often:

• costly
• inconvenient
• burdensome
• different than what I have planned
• less than fun

Obedience is the bridge to the blessed life that Jesus died to give everyone who believes in Him.

• And through your descendants all the nations of the earth will be blessed—all because you have obeyed me.
  Genesis 22:18

• Jesus replied, “But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice.”
  Luke 11:28

• But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.
  James 1:22–25

• Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the LORD. Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts. They do not compromise with evil, and they walk only in his paths. You have charged us to keep your commandments carefully. Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your decrees! Then I will not be ashamed when I compare my life with your commands. As I learn your righteous regulations, I will thank you by living as I should! I will obey your decrees. Please don’t give up on me!
  Psalm 119:1–8

• Because we have these promises, dear friends, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile our body or spirit. And let us work toward complete holiness because we fear God.
  2 Corinthians 7:1

With these benefits, why would any believer ever ignore, neither listen to nor obey, and do not pay attention to what God says?

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I discovered this little gem while studying Enduring Word regarding 2 Kings 24:14,

King Nebuchadnezzar took all of Jerusalem captive, including all the commanders and the best of the soldiers, craftsmen, and artisans—10,000 in all. Only the poorest people were left in the land.

Among these captives was the Prophet Ezekiel, who compiled his book of prophecies while in captivity in Babylon.

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Since rewards for obedience, outweigh the cost of obedience, obey God.