“Surely the sons of Jonadab the son of Rechab have performed the commandment of their father, which he commanded them, but this people has not obeyed Me.” ’ “Therefore thus says the Lord God of hosts, the God of Israel: ‘Behold, I will bring on Judah and on all the inhabitants of Jerusalem all the doom that I have pronounced against them; because I have spoken to them but they have not heard, and I have called to them but they have not answered.’ ” And Jeremiah said to the house of the Rechabites, “Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: ‘Because you have obeyed the commandment of Jonadab your father, and kept all his precepts and done according to all that he commanded you, therefore thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: “Jonadab the son of Rechab shall not lack a man to stand before Me forever.” ’ ””
Jeremiah 35:16-19 NKJV
I met a new character today in G-d’s great story – Jonadab. An entire chapter is spent on his family and their obedience to their father to not drink wine even when tempted and asked by a man of G-d to drink it. Because of their father, the men, women, and children lived in tents, refused wine, and was radically blessed. Even though it was weird and different, they obeyed their father. That’s a powerful legacy!
And clearly the family captured the attention of G-d. So much so that He made them an example to the people of Israel. In summary, G-d told the people, “look at this family! They obeyed their father in ALL things – a mere man! Yet you ignore my voice though I’ve sent many messengers. Therefore, since you will not listen, I will pronounce doom on you.” Scary.
The Lord asks many things of us – love your neighbor as yourself – that’s sacrificial, turn from evil, choose righteousness – and we struggle to obey. Yet we’ll cling to family traditions as lifelines and heirlooms as a treasured possession.
At the end of my life, all that will matter is if I knew Yeshua. Did I love and obey Him? Did I know Him as Savior and Lord? Did I cling to His ways and His words? Will my children cling to Him because of the testimony of my life or will they shun Him? I pray all I do points them to Him – even when I miss it, may they see Him. He’s all that matters. Not traditions. Not heirlooms. Nothing else.
Father – thank You for Your Word and grace. Give me more of a heart for You. You are good and You keep doing good. Your leadership in my life is perfect and You can be trusted. Amen.
Daily Reading: Jeremiah 35-37
August 17, 2022