Jeremiah_35
Scripture - What stood out?
Jeremiah 35:13 “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. Observation - What does it say?The Rekabites were told not to drink alcohol, only live in tents, and never to build houses or sow seeds or plant vineyards. I can only imagine how hard that must have been, generation after generation living like that. Especially when you looked around and you saw people getting drunk, living wealthy, and living life. But you couldn’t because of something some old guy said hundreds of years ago to some other old guy and they continued that chain. Understanding - What does it mean?The Rekabites were told not to drink alcohol, only live in tents, and never to build houses or sow seeds or plant vineyards. I can only imagine how hard that must have been, generation after generation living like that. Especially when you looked around and you saw people getting drunk, living wealthy, and living life. But you couldn’t because of something some old guy said hundreds of years ago to some other old guy and they continued that chain. But listen to what God says about these people in verse 14 and 15 of this chapter : ‘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. But I have spoken to you again and again, yet you have not obeyed me. Again and again I sent all my servants the prophets to you. They said, “Each of you must turn from your wicked ways and reform your actions; do not follow other gods to serve them. Then you will live in the land I have given to you and your ancestors.” But you have not paid attention or listened to me. Life Application - How can I apply this to my life today?
The working definition I have for other gods (idols) is “ anything that has displaced God as number one in your heart”.
Lord I have two prayer requests. First that you would help me to tend the pasture that nourishes my soul. Help me to guard against anything trying to take your place as first on my list of values. And second I pray that just like the Rekabites, I would simply obey as you have commanded. Help me to not trip over myself. Help me to guard against the tactics of the enemy. And help me to learn this lesson, and obey Your words.
In the name of Jesus do I pray, amen.
-kenneth lee