Gems of Knowledge

Today’s One Year Bible Verses: Jeremiah 35:1-36:32, 1 Timothy 5:1-25, Psalm 89:14-37, Proverbs 25:25-27

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The Power of Obedeience

“The Recabites do not drink wine to this day because their ancestor Jehonadab told them not to. But I have spoken to you again and again, and you refuse to obey me!”
— Jeremiah 35:14 NLT

In Jeremiah 35, God gives the prophet a strange assignment: bring the Recabite family into the Temple and offer them wine. It sounds harmless enough—until they refuse. Why? Because their ancestor, Jehonadab, commanded them never to drink wine, build houses, or plant vineyards. He called them to live set apart—and generations later, they still obeyed.

God never told them to live that way. But they honored the word of their earthly father for hundreds of years. And then God delivers the punchline:

“But I have spoken to you again and again, and you refuse to obey me!” — Jeremiah 35:14

The Recabites obeyed a man’s word, and yet God’s people were ignoring the voice of God Himself. Ouch. This is a sobering call to examine our hearts.

Do we obey God only when it’s easy?
Do we compromise when culture pressures us?
Do we excuse partial obedience because others are doing worse?

God honors those who obey completely. The Recabites weren’t perfect, but their unwavering commitment became a living sermon—a prophetic example of loyalty, discipline, and devotion. “Because you have obeyed your ancestor… you will always have descendants who serve me.” (Jeremiah 35:18–19 NLT). Obedience speaks louder than words. It becomes legacy. It shapes generations and it blesses the heart of God.

The example of the Recabites is a reminder that God notices those who honor Him, even when their obedience goes against the current of culture. They didn’t compromise. They didn’t fold under pressure. They stayed faithful—and God commended them. In the same way, you and I are called to live holy and obedient lives in a world that’s increasingly disobedient. As Proverbs 25:26 warns, “If the godly give in to the wicked, it’s like polluting a fountain or muddying a spring.” Don’t let the compromise of others contaminate your calling. Stay clean. Stay true. Stay obedient. 💎

Action: 5 Minutes with God

Take 5 minutes to commune with the Lord today and Ask Him:

• Am I fully obeying what You’ve told me?
• Have I let compromise creep in?
• What legacy of obedience am I building?

Journal what He whispers then ask Him:

• “What do You want. me to know about this?” and
• “What do you want me to do?”

Journal what He whispers then do it! Recommit your heart to the Lord today and renew your covenants with Him. He blesses the faithful and delights in the obedient. Your cup will overflow with His goodness and blessings!

Prayer

Lord, I don’t want to be the one who hears You but refuses to obey. I want to honor You with my choices—even when no one is watching, even when it’s hard. Give me strength and teach me to walk in full obedience. Let my life preach Your faithfulness through my faithfulness. I want to honor You today and always. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

To read more 5 Minutes with God devotionals click here.