In Jeremiah, God encourages the people to follow the ancient paths, and find rest. But they reject this advice, along with the warning of the watchmen. While we might not overtly reject the advice of God, we can ignore some of the more challenging aspects of choosing God ahead of ourselves.
In Matthew 17, Jesus’ disciples fail to heal an epileptic boy, and are rebuked by Jesus for their lack of faith, exhorted to have faith like a gain of mustard seed. The disciples struggle with the concept of Jesus dying and being raised to life again. Also, the divine approval of Jesus is reinforced, with a voice from heaven a second time during the transfiguration saying “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him”.
Let’s follow that advice, listen to the advice of Jesus for developing Godly characteristics, and learn from the repercussions of the faithlessness that Israel displayed in the times of Jeremiah.