Obedience of Recabite family and the disobedience of God’s people Jeremiah.35.
During the reign of King Jehoiakim (609 BC – 598 BC) of Judah, Lord asked prophet Jeremiah to invite the members of the Recabite family to the temple of the Lord and offer them wine. But they replied, we do not drink wine, because our forefather Jonadab son of Recab gave us this command, “neither you nor your descendants must ever drink wine. Also you must never build houses, sow seed or plant vineyards;…but must live in tents.” Jer.35:6,7. We have obeyed everything. Jer.35:8.
After this, the Lord asked Jeremiah to go to the people of Judah. “Will you not learn a lesson and obey my words.” Jer.35:13. He is asking them to learn a lesson from the faithfulness of Recabite family.
A. GOD’S complaint against people of JUDAH.
- Again and again, I spoke to you but you did not obey. Jer.35:14,15,17.
- Again and again I sent all my servants the prophets to you but you did not listen. Jer.35:14,15,17.
B. MESSAGE of the PROPHETS.
- Turn from your wicked ways. Jer.35:15.
- Reform your actions. 35:15.
- Do not follow other gods. 35:15.
- Do not serve other gods. 35:15.
C. GOD’S word to RECABITE family.
- You have obeyed the commands of your forefather. Jer.35:18.
- You have followed all his instructions. 35:18.
- You have done all his instructions. 35:18.
D Result of Obedience.
Blessings on the family and descendents of Recabites. Jer. 35:18,19.
E. Result of Disobedience
Punishment on Judah.- every disaster will come upon them. Jer. 35:17.
King Jehoiakim(609- 598 BC) is one of the sons of the good King Josiah. He did evil in the eyes of the Lord.(2 Kings.23:37).
Recabites – a radically committed sect among the Israelites who emphasized a nomadic life as Israel lived in the wilderness.
It is possible that the Recabites were not only connected by family bonds but also received others into their group who shared their ascetic, simple, nomadic commitment to God.
Are we obedient like the Recabites or disobedient like the people of Judah?
Do we say? I am a Christian. I don’t drink alcohol /I don’t smoke /I don’t give or receive bribe /I don’t do anything wrong… I obey my Lord in everything. I do this … because that is what Bible teaches.
Are we willing to repent, lead a transformed life by obeying GOD in everything in all situations?
Are we seriously studying God’s Word with a sincere desire to practice it?
Rev.C.V.Abraham.