November 21, 2011
Jeremiah 35 - The family of Recab.
For years the Recabite family followed the instructions of their ancestor Jonadab: don't drink, don't build houses, don't plant seed or vineyards, you must live only in tents. And for years they did exactly that. Then God speaks to Jeremiah and says, "Go to the family of Recab. Invite them to come to one of the side rooms of the Temple of the LORD, and offer them wine to drink."
God was not trying to trick the people of Recab. He knew their answer was going to be—No! God wanted to use them as an example of faithfulness. The people of Recab refused to drink and explained the reason why; they were obeying the instructions of their forefathers. And God tells Jeremiah to go and tell His children, the people of Judah and Israel, "You should learn a lesson and obey my message." Jonadab, son of Recab ordered his descendants not to drink wine and to this day they have obeyed. "But I, the LORD, have given you messages again and again, saying, 'Each of you must stop doing evil. You must change and do good. Do not follow other gods to serve them. If you obey me, you will live in the land I have given to you and your ancestors.' But you have not listened to me or paid attention to my message." Recab's family obeyed him but my people have not obeyed me. So, the LORD God All-Powerful says, "I will soon bring every disaster I said would come. I spoke to those people, but they refused to listen. I called out to them, but they did not answer me."
Then God tell Jeremisah to tell the Recabites, "You have obeyed the commands of your ancestor Jonadab and have followed all his teachings; you have done everything he commanded." So, I am going to honor you for your faithfulness, "There will always be a descendant of Jonadab son of Recab to serve me," says the LORD.
The Recabite family was faithful to the instructions of their earthly fathers so God honored and blessed them. How much more we should be faithful to our heavenly Father, the LORD God All-Powerful. IF—we are faithful, THEN—the LORD blesses.
May the LORD find our family faithful NOW and for generations to come.
Life Lesson:
Obedience IS rewarded.
Next Entry: Jeremiah 36:1–32
Jeremiah 35 - The family of Recab.
For years the Recabite family followed the instructions of their ancestor Jonadab: don't drink, don't build houses, don't plant seed or vineyards, you must live only in tents. And for years they did exactly that. Then God speaks to Jeremiah and says, "Go to the family of Recab. Invite them to come to one of the side rooms of the Temple of the LORD, and offer them wine to drink."
God was not trying to trick the people of Recab. He knew their answer was going to be—No! God wanted to use them as an example of faithfulness. The people of Recab refused to drink and explained the reason why; they were obeying the instructions of their forefathers. And God tells Jeremiah to go and tell His children, the people of Judah and Israel, "You should learn a lesson and obey my message." Jonadab, son of Recab ordered his descendants not to drink wine and to this day they have obeyed. "But I, the LORD, have given you messages again and again, saying, 'Each of you must stop doing evil. You must change and do good. Do not follow other gods to serve them. If you obey me, you will live in the land I have given to you and your ancestors.' But you have not listened to me or paid attention to my message." Recab's family obeyed him but my people have not obeyed me. So, the LORD God All-Powerful says, "I will soon bring every disaster I said would come. I spoke to those people, but they refused to listen. I called out to them, but they did not answer me."
Then God tell Jeremisah to tell the Recabites, "You have obeyed the commands of your ancestor Jonadab and have followed all his teachings; you have done everything he commanded." So, I am going to honor you for your faithfulness, "There will always be a descendant of Jonadab son of Recab to serve me," says the LORD.
The Recabite family was faithful to the instructions of their earthly fathers so God honored and blessed them. How much more we should be faithful to our heavenly Father, the LORD God All-Powerful. IF—we are faithful, THEN—the LORD blesses.
May the LORD find our family faithful NOW and for generations to come.
Life Lesson:
"Did you know it's not faith plus obedience that equals salvation, but obedient faith that equals salvation? True faith is verified in your obedience to God. Because Jesus is LORD, He demands obedience. There is no faith without obedience... In the beginning, it is your faith that is spread abroad, but in the end it is your obedience. Faith that excludes obedience won't save anyone. The delusion that it will causes many people to take the broad road that leads to destruction... Build your life in obedience to Christ. Then you'll know that you belong to him." ~ From Truth for Today by John MacArthur."He want us to be loyal and obedient constantly. His answer to our prayers reflect his perfect will to us."
Obedience IS rewarded.
Next Entry: Jeremiah 36:1–32
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