SCRIPTURE: Jeremiah 35
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
Jonadab son of Recab ordered his sons 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. But I have spoken to you again and again, yet you have not obeyed me. [Jeremiah 35:14]
The Recabites (or Kenites) were a nomadic clan that had lived with in Israel since the days of Moses [Judges 1:16].
Here God uses them as an example for His own people, of their family loyalty and obedience.
Why are some people so loyal, so faithful, yet so many God-followers are not, some even living as ‘practical atheists’?
The centurion replied, “Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” When Jesus heard this, he was astonished and said to those following him, “I tell you the truth, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith. [Matthew 8:8-10]
Jesus also makes a comparison between this Gentile centurion and the people of Israel – he gets it, and they don’t!
Frustrating!
One lesson from this is that we can learn from the piety and devotion of others, even people of other faiths.
To be inspired by, motivated by, the obedience or missionary zeal or compassion of others who do not know the message of Jesus.
Another lesson is to be careful not to write off other people so quickly, just because they live or believe differently from us.
This was a Gentile (non Jewish) centurion in the Roman army, an enemy of Israel – yet Jesus says he has more faith than anyone else in Israel.
He did not know that Jesus was the Son of God incarnate, or that He needed to die for his sins, or that he could only be saved through Him, or that all other gods were false – and yet Jesus affirms more faith in him.
God sees things in others that we may not see; He also sees things in us that we do not see.
Instead of focusing on our differences, or which ‘camp’ each person belongs to, we need to open our hearts and our eyes to listen and learn from others.
I wonder who God will set up before me one day and say, ‘how come he/she got this and you didn’t’?
PRAYER:
Lord, help me not to set myself apart from others, no matter how they live or what they believe. Help me to listen and learn from You through them!
Listen and do this.
Oh we have such a difficulty listening and doing what we are hearing. We like to just do our own thing.
Yet, the Rekabites followed the way and the words of their forefathers. They were obedient, even the the wives and sons and daughters. Yet the people of the Lord do not follow God’s Word. They hear and do not listen, nor do. Whose voice are we listening to? A man’s or God’s?
Do we listen to the voice of our forefathers? Our own voice? The voice of God? Choose this day Whom you will serve, but as for me and my household, we will serve the voice of the living God who tells me ‘This is the way. Walk in it.’ May the faithfulness of our forefathers help us on our way in living for Jesus. Help us each day to pay attention and listen to You and do what You have required of us/me. Love You with all my heart and soul and mind and strength and to walk in Your Way.
Faith of our fathers, living still,
In spite of dungeon, fire and sword;
O how our hearts beat high with joy
Whenever we hear that glorious Word!
Refrain
Faith of our fathers, holy faith!
We will be true to thee till death.
Faith of our fathers, we will strive
To win all nations unto Thee;
And through the truth that comes from God,
We all shall then be truly free.
Refrain
Faith of our fathers, we will love
Both friend and foe in all our strife;
And preach Thee, too, as love knows how
By kindly words and virtuous life.