The Recabites: Promise Keepers
Jeremiah 35 Context of
Jeremiah:
What were they going through? What were their faults?
14b…But I have spoken to you
again and again, and you refuse to obey
me.
15 Time after time I sent you prophets, who told you,
“Turn from your wicked ways, and start doing things right.
Stop worshiping other gods so that you might live in peace here in the land I
have given to you and your ancestors.”
But you would not listen to me or obey me.
Judging by Jeremiah's narrative information
about him in this book, his
life was a sad one, one long martyrdom. He
probably encountered more opposition from more enemies than any other prophet.
"Jeremiah
was hated, jeered at, ostracized , continually harassed, and more than once
almost killed. He
was alone for most of his ministry. It
seemed that no one gave any heed to his words. He was dragged off finally to live his last
days in exile against his own will. He
was a failure as the world judges human achievement. But
a more balanced assessment of him would be that his very words of judgment
saved Israel's faith from disintegration, and his words of hope finally
helped his people to gain hope in God's future for them."
PURPOSE: Jeremiah's purpose was to call
his hearers to repentance in view of God's judgment on Judah, which would come soon from an
army from the north (chs. 2—45). Judgment was coming because God's people had
forsaken Yahweh and had given themselves to idolatry. Jeremiah spoke more about
repentance than any other prophet. He also assured his audience that
God had a future for Israel and Judah (chs. 30—33).
Present day
context:
Bible word of God taken for granted, not seriously considered, a reference only. Pastors,
Priests not hear seriously (some by their own faults) .
God
used the Recabites, the most outstanding family as an Object Lesson for Judah…like our society. A variety of methods are tried to awaken the Jews to a sense of
their sin and to bring them to repentance and reformation.
Exposition:
vv1-2 Invitation: Jeremiah is asked to take them into the Temple
and try giving them a drink.
vv3-5 The Final test from the Lordvv6-7 Recabites explained their convictions; The Promise Keepers
1.No Wine
We do not drink bec.; abstaining from intoxicants
2.No Home, No Agriculture! Never
build houses. Sow
seed & plant vineyards- not practicing agriculture. Live
in tents like Nomads.
They
were therein obeying the command of their ancestor, Jonadab.
Four statements about wine.
1. Though Jonadab told his family that they should not drink wine, the Bible does
not outright prohibit the drinking of wine for everyone. Paul
encouraged Timothy to drink some wine as a form of medicine: "(1 Tim 5:23 NKJV) No longer drink only water, but use a little wine
for your stomach's sake and your frequent infirmities." In
proverbs, King Lemuel talks about how wine can help those who are suffering: "(Prov 31:6 NKJV) Give strong drink to him who is perishing, And
wine to those who are bitter of heart." At
a wedding feast in Cana, Jesus turned water into wine (John 2) as His first
public miracle.
2. The Bible does prohibit being drunk. (Eph 5:18 NKJV) And do not be drunk with wine, in which is
dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit,
3. The Bible also recommends or requires that certain types of people not drink wine:
a. Priests were not to drink before coming into the Tabernacle. "(Lev 10:8-11 NKJV) Then the LORD spoke to Aaron, saying: {9} "Do not drink wine or intoxicating drink, you, nor your sons with you, when you go into the tabernacle of meeting, lest you die. It shall be a statute forever throughout your generations, {10} "that you may distinguish between holy and unholy, and between unclean and clean, {11} "and that you may teach the children of Israel all the statutes which the LORD has spoken to them by the hand of Moses." God wanted His priests to have a clear head so they could distinguish what was right from what was wrong. He wanted them to have a clear mind when they were teaching God’s ways to the people.
b. Kings were not to drink strong drink. (Prov 31:4-5 NKJV) It is not for kings, O Lemuel, It is not for kings to drink wine, Nor for princes intoxicating drink; {5} Lest they drink and forget the law, And pervert the justice of all the afflicted. Again, the idea is that alcohol impairs your judgment.
c. The idea is that if you are serving the Lord or are in a leadership position, alcohol probably isn’t a great idea for you.
4. Be careful about not causing someone else to stumble. (Rom 14:21 NKJV) It is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine nor do anything by which your brother stumbles or is offended or is made weak. If you have a friend who is an alcoholic, should you drink alcohol in front of them just because you can?
(2.) He
appointed them to dwell in tents, and not to build houses, nor purchase
lands, nor rent or occupy either, Jeremiah 35:7. This was an
instance of strictness and mortification beyond what the Nazarenes were obliged
to. Tents were mean dwellings, so that this would teach them to be humble; they
were cold dwellings, so that this would teach them to be hardy and not to
indulge the body; they
were movable dwellings, so that this would teach them not to think of settling
or taking root any where in this world. They
must dwell in tents all their days. They must from the beginning thus
accustom themselves to endure hardness, and then it would be no difficulty to
them under the decays of old age.
The
Recabites were nomads (like the old hippies, avoiding materialism). There
is nothing wrong with having possessions. There
is nothing wrong with owning your own home. But
there is a sense in which we too ought to be like those nomads.
Abraham
lived like a nomad: Heb 11: {9} And even when he reached the land God promised him, he
lived there by faith--for he was like a foreigner, living in a tent. And so did
Isaac and Jacob, to whom God gave the same promise. {10} Abraham did this because he was confidently looking forward to
a city with eternal foundations, a city designed and built by God.
This
world is not our home. We shouldn’t be too comfortable in this world. We ought to always be a little homesick for
heaven. They
didn’t ask others to agree w/their tradition, but they would not violate it
themselves.
2. Why did
Jonadab prescribe these rules of living to his posterity? It was to
show his wisdom, and the real concern he had for their welfare, by recommending to them what he knew would be
beneficial to them,
yet not tying them by any oath or vow, or under any penalty, to observe these
rules, but only advising them to conform to this discipline as far as they
found it for edification.
(1.) That they might not be envied and
disturbed by their neighbours among whom they lived. If
they that were strangers should live great, raise estates, and fare
sumptuously, the natives would grudge them their abundance, and have a jealous
eye upon them, as the Philistines had upon Isaac (Genesis 26:14), and would
seek occasions to quarrel with them and do them a mischief; therefore he
thought it would be their prudence to keep low, for that would be the way to
continue long-to live meanly, that they might live many days in the land
where they were strangers. Note,
Humility and contentment in obscurity are often the best policy and men's
surest protection.
(2.) That they
might be armed against temptations to luxury and sensuality, the prevailing sin
of the age and place they lived in. Jonadab saw a general corruption of
manners; the drunkards of Ephraim abounded, and he was afraid lest his children
should be debauched and ruined by them; and therefore he obliged them to live
by themselves, retired in the country; and, that they might not run into any
unlawful pleasures, to deny themselves the use even of lawful delights. They
must be very sober, and temperate, and abstemious, which would contribute to
the health both of mind and body, and to their living many days
(3.) That they
might be prepared for times of trouble and calamity. Jonadab
might, without a spirit of prophecy, foresee the destruction of a people so
wretchedly degenerated, let them sit loose to what they had, and then they
might with less pain be stripped of it.
(4.) That in general they might learn to live by
rule and under discipline.
vv 12 -16 The Message/ Lesson: Analogy
Key verse::16
"Surely the sons of Jonadab the son of Rechab have performed the
commandment of their father, which he commanded
them, but this people has not obeyed Me."'
God
was amazed at how honorable these Rechabites were towards their father’s
commandments, yet
the nation of Judah has not honored God in obeying His commandments. Jeremiah
seized on their loyalty to their dead ancestor’s command as an object-lesson,
The
Rechabites gave their ancestral law an obedience which shamed Judah’s
disobedience to Jehovah. The
virtues which we exercise to each other rebuke us, because we so often refuse to exercise them
towards God.
I. Man’s love to
relationship/ relatives vs. love towards
God.
These
Rechabites witnessed to the power of loyal love to their ancestor. Think
of the wealth of love which we have all poured out on husbands, wives, parents,
children, and of the few drops that we have diverted to flow towards God. Think
of the stronger reasons for loving God than for loving our dearest.
Jonadab
was long since dead, and was ignorant of them, and could neither take
cognizance of their disobedience to his orders nor give correction for it; but
God lives for ever, to see how his laws are observed, and is in a readiness to
revenge all disobedience.
II. Men’s
obedience to human authority vs. submission to God.
Side
by side in man’s strange nature, lies an equally strong tendency to obey and
follow any masterful voice that speaks loudly and with an assumption of
authority. The
opinions of a clique, the dogmas of a sect, the sayings of a favorite author,
the fashions of our class—all
these rule men with a sway far more absolute than is exercised on them by the
known will of God.
‘If
we believe the witness of men, the witness of God is greater.’ And
how do we treat it? We
are ready to accept and to act on men’s testimony; we are slow to believe God’s,
and
still slower to act on it, and to let it mould our lives. The
Rechabites were obedient to one who was but a man like themselves, who had but
the wisdom and power of a man, and was only the father of their flesh; but
the Jews were disobedient to an infinite and eternal God, who had an absolute
authority over them, as
the Father of their spirits.
The
Rechabites, are in contrast to the nation.
v.17 Therefore
judgment on Jerusalem
vv.18 -19 THE RECHABITE REWARD!
Mercy
is here promised to the family of the Rechabites for their steady and unanimous
adherence to the laws of their house. God takes occasion from it to tell
them that he had favours in reserve for them (Jeremiah
35:18,19).
1.
That the family shall continue … it shall never want a man. Sometimes those that have the smallest estates
have the most numerous progeny.
When
the people would come back from Babylon and rebuild Jerusalem, the Rechabites
were there. Nehemiah
records who helped in the rebuilding of the wall: (Neh 3:14 NKJV) Malchijah the son of Rechab, leader of the district
of Beth Haccerem, repaired the Refuse Gate; he built it and hung its doors with
its bolts and bars. They
are rewarded for their faithfulness to their
fathers command!
Other Lesson 1
1.Set
the standard for your family. Jehonadab
was a man who set an example that his family followed for generations to come. He taught them what to do, and then lived it. Setting
an example is supposed to be a daily thing, a way of life thing: Parents
– set the standard for your children. Give them an example that they can
follow.
Lesson 2
2 Greatest
Commandments: Love God, love others
When we express our love to God, we’re worshipping him…God wants to hear that. Thanking Him, Just adoring Him for who he is….what he has done in our lives When we don’t worship God, who are we worshipping?…when people are absent from the church…
How do you
worship God from Mon- Sat?
24/7
Passionate Spirituality -
We aspire to see members learn to live their faith in contagious enthusiasm. We want to see people praying as a
lifestyle and witness answers to prayers.
Inspiring Worship
- Worship is a 24/7 attitude of members. We would like our church to experience
God & intimately worship Him.
Discipleship MATURITY : Growing up to be like Christ.
What kind of person will you be? Discipleship is the process of helping people become more like Christ in their thoughts, feelings & actions. Starts when born again & continues throughout the rest of his life. Not only reach people but teach them…to attain maturity Ephes.4:12b-13. When people sees us, they see the Character of Jesus? Do they? We were created to reflect him? Not our individual self, not the world, surely not Satan .
We reflect the image of God. A Loving, caring, God. Greatest compliment can say about you: Kamukha mo ang
Diyos.
Bottom line: Are you being disciple?….discipling someone?
(best way to grow)
What are you
doing to be like God?
Word of God
Holistic Small Group - We
will encourage our members to be part of a small/care group for accountability,
nurture and encouragement. We would like to see whole families growing
closer to God
Fellowship: MEMBERSHIP:
God didn’t meant for man to live alone: The Trinity is an
Example: Father, Son & HS. They exists in
perfect unity & harmony.
We are not alone, we have each other for support. We are
family. Are
you part of the Church? What will be the community of
your life?
I have many groups- sports friends- Tennis, badminton,
relatives … but the church is my #1 Group, Family
How will you demonstrate your commitment to other
believers & connection to the family of God. How will
you demonstrate your commitment to the family of God?
FCC Membership
Covenant:
-
I will protect
the unity of the church by loving other members, refusing to gossip &
following my leaders.
-
I will share the
responsibility of my church by praying, inviting, & welcoming those who
visit
-
I will serve the
ministry of my church by discovering my gifts & talents, equipped &
develop a servants heart
- I will support the testimony of my church by attending faithfully, living a godly life & giving regularly.
The church exists to minister to people
The 2nd greatest commandment says
: Love your neighbor as yourself
Jesus preached, fed the hungry, healed the sick… He
served to others.
This is what we call is ministry- demonstrating God’s love to others by
meeting their needs
We demonstrate God’s love through
service. We start with
our sp. Gifts & talents. What is your
spiritual gift? Talents? What are you
doing about it? What will be the contribution of
my life?
How
can you make a difference?
The church tries its best to meet All kinds of needs:
spiritual, emotional, relational, physical (CDO). Jesus said even a cup of cold water (Text) given in his
name is considered a ministry & will not go unrewarded. What will be your ministry/role in the Church? & in
the community?
It is better to
give than to receive. Do we always want to get… sometimes we think of that even
of the church. Ex. What can this church offer me…w/o realizing that our
needs are met as we give to others.
Suggestion to you is by being part of the church to serve
one another. As part of the community
Ex. In Church: we can support financially, volunteer
Ex. In our Community: newspaper is asking for…food
donations, sweaters, tutors, coaches;
Cagayan De
Oro-give
Mission /Outreach: What is our Mission?
We exist to communicate God’s word. That is our Mission in life…mission of FCC
The Commitment to share our testimony & the good news
w/ others. The Lord commanded
us to Go & make disciples . Given to all (not only to a chosen few)….and not an
option.
Where is your
mission?
God gives you a special target group of people to focus on
reaching. Who are your target audience? where God placed you/ Majority
of your time (Office, neighbor). Your closest connection- relatives, friends…each of us
got network of friends ave. of 80 people.
What is the gospel? The Gospel is your life in Jesus. People are busy: You are busy…observed here in America. What if you gain the whole world but loses your soul
Conclusion:
Rick Warren’s
advice on church growth: Don’t worry about the growth of your church. Focus on
fulfilling the purposes of your church. God will grow his church to the size he wants it, at the
rate best for your situation. If you are building a ministry on God’s eternal purpose,
you cannot fail. It will prevail.
Acts 13:36 tells us that David was driven by God’s cause: “When David had served God’s purpose in his own
generation, he died.” I cannot think of a greater epitaph, in our tombstone. There is no greater use of our lives. I have no doubt it
is worth living & dying for.
--------------------------------------------------------------
Adapted
from notes of the ff: Alexander Maclaren , Brian Bell,
Rich Cathers & Matthew Henry
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