Wanted: Rechabite Christians
Today’s Verse
The words of Jonadab the son of Rechab, that he commanded his sons not to drink wine, are performed; for unto this day they drink none, but obey their father’s commandment: notwithstanding I have spoken unto you, rising early and speaking; but ye hearkened not unto me. ~Jeremiah 35:14
I recently was inspired in my Bible reading by the testimony of the Rechabites. They are named after Rechab, the father of Jonadab. Jonadab gave great honor to his father by referring to all of his descendants as Rechabites. In spite of the Jews who drifted in their spirituality, the Rechabites were faithful and unchanging in character and conviction. As we consider this great group of people, will you and your future generations be people of integrity as the Rechabites were?
We see their stand.
“Thus have we obeyed the voice of Jonadab the son of Rechab our father in all that he hath charged us, to drink no wine all our days, we, our wives, our sons, nor our daughters; Nor to build houses for us to dwell in: neither have we vineyard, nor field, nor seed.” Beginning with Jonadab, the Rechabites protested the worldliness, drunkenness, and loose lifestyle that Ahab and Jezebel promoted. While everyone else lived for the moment, they lived for eternity. A Rechabite Christian takes a stand against compromise and an unholy life.
We see their separation.
They took a vow not to drink wine all the days of their life. While everyone else was drinking and getting drunk, the Rechabites would not touch alcoholic substance. To be separated means to be withdrawn from associations, beliefs, and practices that will defile, or corrupt, you. They went so far as to pledge themselves to a pilgrim lifestyle. They would not buy homes but would live in tents. This decision was thoroughly ingrained from generation to generation. We live in a day when Christians compromise their testimony and have no objection to conforming to the world. We must conform to God’s command to not be conformed to this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of our mind.
We see their strength.
Jeremiah brought them into the house of God and placed cups of wine before them. They strongly told Jeremiah, “We will drink no wine.” They reminded him of the vow that originated with Jonadab. They were strong in their conviction. They were like Daniel, who said he would not defile himself with the king’s meat and wine. They were like Naboth, who would not sell out. They would not succumb to the pressure of their peers, the world, or success. Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.
We see that they were a standard.
God used these stalwart believers as an example of obedience. Whereas the entire nation of Judah lived in compromise and disobedience, the Rechabites held to the vows taken many years before. What does this teach us? We must follow the faith and standard of Christians who are living for God and obeying His Word. Christians are told to follow the faith of their pastor. Don’t follow the faith of someone who holds to less than what God’s Word tells us. Don’t be someone who ignores the teaching of God’s Word. Follow the highest example of leadership. Let us be lights that shine brightly for the Lord and not be ashamed of being separated.
Have a holy God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Leviticus 19-21