Jeremiah chapter 35: verses 12-14 (NIV)
Then the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah, saying: “This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: Go and tell the people of Judah and those living in Jerusalem, ‘Will you not learn a lesson and obey my words?’ declares the Lord. ‘Jehonadab son of Rekab ordered his descendants not to drink wine and this command has been kept. To this day they do not drink wine, because they obey their forefather’s command.
Jeremiah Chapter 35: verses 18-19 (NIV)
Then Jeremiah said to the family of the Rekabites, “This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: ‘You have obeyed the command of your forefather Jehonadab and have followed all his instructions and have done everything he ordered.’ Therefore this is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: ‘Jehonadab son of Rekab shall never fail to have a descendant to serve me.’”
Most people would think that the Rekabites were not a prominent family in Israel, but Jehonadab, the ancestor mentioned here was actually a nephew of King David. He was involved in destroying idols that had been set up and standing against the Baal worship that was being promoted by Ahab and Jezebel. He also made a vow not to touch wine and strong drink and bound his descendants to do likewise, as well as live a nomadic existence. It seems that his descendants remained faithful to this vow. It would have set them apart from others, but they remained wholly committed to it. It became their way of life and perhaps they would think nothing of it. By this stage, in Jeremiah’s time, they would probably not be in any place of prominence or authority. Yet God had seen their faithfulness and used it as an example to Israel and Judah.
We might have set ourselves to seek God and live our lives in the way He asks of us. We might not have any place of prominence and position in daily life. Perhaps to some our path may seem strange as it may go against the way others live their lives. Nonetheless, God wants us to remain faithful to the walk He has called us to. Even if we think no one is paying any attention to how we are living, God does. What’s more, He wants us to be an example to others. May we be found therefore to be as faithful as Jehonadab and his descendants.
Dear Lord,
Thank You for showing us this example of faithfulness. Help me to remember that even if I think my walk in You is unnoticed by others, I know it is never unseen by You, and its You we seek to please. So then help me to be a faithful follower of Jesus that You could use as an example should You choose to. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.