SCRIPTURE: JEREMIAH 35
THE RECABITES (vs. 1-19)
The Lord asked Jeremiah to invite the Recabites’ family to drink wine with him. But the Recabites refused saying that they will continue to obey their forefather Jonadab’s command not to drink wine. Then the Lord commanded Jeremiah to go to Jerusalem and Judah and tell them: “I sent my servants and prophets to you telling you to turn from your wicked ways, to reform your actions and not to follow other gods or serve them so that you can live in the land I have given to you and your forefathers. But you have not paid attention or listened to me. The descendants of Jonadab had carried out commands their forefather gave them but you have not obeyed me. Therefore, Jonadab will always had descendants to serve me.”
THOUGHTS:
The Recabites adhered to the tradition their forefather had taught them not to drink wine. They were steadfast to their commitment. But the Jews claimed to know the true God but refused to obey the law of God. How about you? Are you claiming to be a Christian without following what Christ has commanded you to do?
Contrast between Recabites and Israelites:
- The Recabites kept their vows of their ancestors but the Israelites broke their vows with God.
- The Recabites obeyed the command of Jonadab not to drink wine, but the Israelites disobeyed God’s commands to turn from sin.
- The Recabites obeyed laws that dealt with temporal issues. The Israelites refused to obey God’s laws that dealt with eternal values.
- The Recabites had obeyed for hundreds of years but the Israelites disobeyed for hundreds of years.
- The Recabites will be rewarded but the Israelites will be punished.