“If I delay, will I disobey?”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – September 19, 2025
Then, just as the Lord had said he would, my cousin Hanamel came and visited me in the prison. He said, “Please buy my field at Anathoth in the land of Benjamin. By law you have the right to buy it before it is offered to anyone else, so buy it for yourself.” Then I knew that the message I had heard was from the Lord. So I bought the field. Jeremiah 32:8-9
Sometimes the Lord asks us to obey even when it doesn’t seem to make sense. His instructions might appear to conflict with earthly wisdom, requiring us to trust His larger perspective when our circumstances suggest otherwise. Jeremiah’s purchase of his cousin’s land is one of Scripture’s most unusual examples of faithful obedience despite apparent futility. Here’s what’s happening: Jerusalem is falling under Babylonian siege in 587 B.C. The city’s fall is unavoidable, land values have dropped significantly, and Jeremiah is imprisoned for prophesying the coming destruction. In this hopeless situation, his cousin Hanamel offers to sell family property—land that will soon be taken by conquering armies. By every logical standard, this transaction makes no sense.
Yet Jeremiah recognizes God’s voice behind this seemingly foolish request. Following the law of redemption outlined in Leviticus, he carefully weighs out seventeen shekels of silver, signs the deed, seals it with witnesses, and formally purchases property that appears worthless. This wasn’t mere family loyalty or poor financial judgment—it was prophetic theater orchestrated by God Himself. The purchase served as a living promise: “Houses, fields and vineyards will again be bought in this land.” When everyone else saw only destruction, God was declaring restoration. Jeremiah’s transaction became a tangible symbol that exile wouldn’t be permanent, that God’s people would return, rebuild, and reclaim their inheritance.
What makes this account especially relatable is Jeremiah’s honest struggle. Even after obeying, he questions God about the wisdom of his actions, admitting his confusion while still trusting. This pattern—obey first, understand later—often reflects true faith. The obedient prophet’s story reminds us that the Lord sometimes calls us to hope even when circumstances suggest despair. Whether it’s working toward reconciliation in broken relationships, starting new ventures during uncertain times, or simply choosing joy amid trials, faithful obedience often means acting on the Lord’s promises instead of current circumstances. We’re called to trust that God’s redemptive plans go far beyond what we can see right now. Illogical obedience is logical looking back.
Your seemingly illogical acts of obedience might include adopting a child with special needs despite financial challenges, forgiving a dishonest business partner, moving to serve in an impoverished community to find deeper fulfillment than suburban life offers, or leaving a lucrative career to care for aging parents and possibly witnessing healing in fractured family ties. Each sacrifice that seems foolish can place you in a position to receive unexpected blessings and grow spiritually. Where is the Lord calling you to go that may seem strange and irresponsible?
Follow the Holy Spirit’s guidance, and you will not be disappointed with the results. Others may question your timing, but when you know in your spirit and it is confirmed by godly counsel and Scripture, then wisdom is to move forward with immediate obedience. To delay is to disobey.
“I will hasten and not delay to obey your commands” (Psalm 119:60).
Prayer
Lord, give me the faith to obey You even when I don’t fully understand. Help me trust Your wisdom above my own, knowing Your ways lead to life and blessing. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Application
What is the Lord showing you that causes you to pause and pray, but calls you to trust and obey?
Related Reading
Deuteronomy 10:13; Matthew 4:20; Hebrews 3:15; James 4:17
Worship Resource
Teddy Swim & Tasha Cobbs: The Hand that Keeps Holding Me
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