Read Jeremiah 35.
It is a short chapter telling of a small clan called the Rechabites who, when the troops of Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon were moving across the land, picked up their tents and moved themselves into Jerusalem for safety. This was a special clan who were faithful and true to the covenant they had made with Jonadab, son of Rechab. They agreed they would not drink wine, build a house, sow seed, or plant a vineyard (or even own one). When they were put to the test, they stood their ground and God was impressed!
Jeremiah, speaking on behalf of God, confronts the Judeans and those living in Jerusalem with the question, “Can you not learn a lesson and obey my words?” God’s persistent request, through numerous prophets, of the Judeans was:
“Turn now each of you from your evil way, amend your doings, and do not go after other gods to serve them. And if you do this, you will live in this land that I have given to you and your ancestors.”
Then God, through the mouth of Jeremiah, lifts up the example of the Rechabites. But since his covenant with the people has been broken, over and over again, God says, okay folks. If that is the way you want it, you won’t live in the land and disaster will fall upon you. You just haven’t listened. To the Rechabites, God says, “you shall not lack a descendant to stand before me for all time.”
So, we must consider this just as those people of old did. Will we as a church—God’s gathered people—listen to God’s Word, commit ourselves in covenant with God, and follow God’s ways as did the Rechabites? Or will we submit to our own selfishness, our own belief that we know what is best, or in our eagerness to do what pleases the world in which we live, and thus break our covenant with God?
And what is it that God requires of us? Perhaps Micah 6:8 says it best:
“[God] has told you…what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.”
Jesus demonstrated it for us. Return to the ways of God is what God desires of us.
Prayer: Turn us around, God, so we will listen to you, do your will, live faithfully in your covenant, and be strong like the Rechabites. Amen
SONG: “Lord, You Give the Great Commission” by Jeffery Rowthorn
Lord, you give the great commission:
“Heal the sick and preach the word.”
Lest the church neglect its mission, and the gospel go unheard.
Help us witness to your purpose with renewed integrity:
With the Spirit’s gifts empower us for the work of ministry.