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December 29, 2022

Today’s reading: Jeremiah 35:12-16

An important lesson from the Rechabites

We read in Jeremiah 35:12-16:

¹² Then came the word of the LORD to Jeremiah, saying, ¹³ “Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: ‘Go and tell the men of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, “Will you not receive instruction to obey My words?” says the LORD. ¹⁴ “The words of Jonadab the son of Rechab, which he commanded his sons, not to drink wine, are performed; for to this day they drink none, and obey their father’s commandment. But although I have spoken to you, rising early and speaking, you did not obey Me. ¹⁵ I have also sent to you all My servants the prophets, rising up early and sending them, saying, Turn now everyone from his evil way, amend your doings, and do not go after other gods to serve them; then you will dwell in the land which I have given you and your fathers.’ But you have not inclined your ear, nor obeyed Me. ¹⁶ Surely the sons of Jonadab the son of Rechab have performed the commandment of their father, which he commanded them, but these people has not obeyed Me.” ’ 

The Bible does not tell us much about the Rechabites. According to some scholars, their father, Jonadab, is the same person mentioned in 2 Kings 10:15-28, Jehonadab, who helped in purging the house of the evil king Ahab.

If you read the whole of Jeremiah 35, you’ll learn that the Rechabites stayed faithful to the instruction of Jonadab. Although  Jonadab was long gone, they still kept his words.

God compared the attitude of the Rechabites to Judah. Jonadab didn’t need to repeat his instructions to Rechabites, but for Judah, God repeatedly sent his prophets and servants to deliver His words. Yet, they won’t obey!

The Rechabites were able to obey a mere man, yet Judah wouldn’t listen to the Most High God! The Rechabites were faithful to earthly things, but Judah wasn’t faithful to heavenly things.

God rewards the Rechabites but punished Judah for their disobedience.

As followers of Yahshua, this teaches us a great lesson. There are times when we are under the authority of man. Perhaps, it is because of a job and we have a boss over us. Maybe, we are under the law of the land and need to follow rules and regulations.

If we are able to obey the rules and laws of men, how much more should we obey the rules and laws of God!

Yet, sadly, sometimes, we are more afraid of men. We are more obedient to their laws. We are more submissive to their orders. We would sometimes put more importance on what people think and say rather than what God thinks and says.

Just to give you an example, in our work or school, we do our best not to be late. Yet, during church services, we don’t take it seriously and we come in late. We do our best not to miss our work and yet, we don’t have the same commitment when it comes to showing up for God’s work.

We must realize that our ultimate allegiance and obedience are to God. It should be for Him alone and not for men.

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