Jeremiah 35:14
The words of Jonadab the son of Rechab, that he commanded his sons not to drink wine, are performed; for unto this day they drink none, but obey their father's commandment: notwithstanding I have spoken unto you, rising early and speaking; but ye hearkened not unto me.
There are two groups of people mentioned that represent the two groups of Christians. The first group mentioned are the children of Jonadab. Jonadab commanded his children not to drink wine, nor were they to build themselves houses. His children obeyed his words throughout the generations. His words did not give the most comfortable living situations, but his words were listened to and obeyed.
The second group was the men of Judah. God told them what to do so that His judgment would not fall on them, but they did not hearken. God spoke to them, but they hearkened not. God sent His servants and prophets to get these people to do right, but they hearkened not.
My friend, God is very interested in His people listening to those whom He chooses to preach His Word and lead His people. I can only imagine how much God gets frustrated with His children because He knows that what He says is the right thing to do, but they will not listen.
I think of many parents who have told their children over and over again what to do, but their children will not listen. Many parents have wished their children would just ask for their advice, but for whatever reason, many children have forged on in their lives to do their own thing to their hurt. I think of adults who have parents who will help them if they would just ask, but because of pride, many children suffer hurtful consequences all because they won't ask or listen.
I think of pastors all over the world that God has given to lead churches, and yet many church members never let their pastor be their pastor. My friend, it is not the pastor’s fault that your life is a mess when you never go to him for advice or follow the advice from his preaching. Sadly, many church members jump from one church to the next when their life goes sideways, but they never once asked the pastor what to do in their situation. Certainly, the pastor preaches and gives sound wisdom in the preaching time that, if heeded, could help any church member, but not allowing the pastor to be a pastor and give you advice to help is wrong.
When looking at the text, you can see that just hearing is not enough. Being in a church service is wonderful, but that is not all that God expects. God expects you to hearken to what is being preached. Not to hearken to the preaching of the pastor, the advice of your parents, or the counseling of your pastor is to disobey God. God expects you to hearken.
Now, you cannot hearken if you don't listen when God speaks to you through your parents, leaders, or pastor. You cannot hearken if you are not in attendance. It is critical to your life to be in attendance when God chooses to speak to you through your spiritual leaders and pastor. It is also critical to listen when advice is given. Don't let your mind wander when the preaching of God’s Word is being preached. Do what you are told to do in the preaching time. God does hold you accountable to what you have heard through the preaching. It does not matter if you think you know better; God chooses to speak to His children through the preaching of His Word, and not to hearken is rebellion.