June 3, 2021 – Jeremiah 34,35

The Rechabites, I suspect, are a little-known family to most who read the Bible. They are strongly commended by the Lord and by Jeremiah. Their old patriarch, Jonadab, had commanded them neither to drink wine nor build houses, but to live in tents and sojourn with their flocks. Offered wine, they refused. The Lord’s response: “The sons of Jonadab the son of Rechab have kept the command that their father gave them, but this people has not obeyed me” (35:16). Therefore, disaster will come upon Judah and Jerusalem, but to those who obeyed, God declared, “Jonadab the son of Rechab shall never lack a man to stand before me” (35:19).

Remember Samuel’s words to Saul? “Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams” (1 Sam. 15:22). And from the New Testament: “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says” (James 1:22). Jesus: “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching ” (John 14:23). And, “Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock” (Matthew 7:24). These words pretty well speak for themselves, I think. Good to reflect on them, this morning, and throughout the day!

When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word,

What a glory He sheds on our way!

While we do His good will, He abides with us still,

And with all who will trust and obey.

Trust and obey, for there's no other way

To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey. –John Henry Sammis