Wait... What?

Daily Reading: Jeremiah 35

Scripture Focus: Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: "Because you have obeyed the command of Jonadab your father...” (Jeremiah 35.18)

Devotional Thought: Have you ever been listening to someone, following their progression of thought, only to suddenly hear something totally unexpected?  "Wait...  What?"  That was my experience when I read Jeremiah's words to the Rechabites: "Because you have obeyed the command of..."

The Rechabites' spiritual "father" - two centuries prior - had been Jonadab, who had instructed them to refrain from drinking wine and from building houses.  The reasons are not fully known, but the Rechabites had faithfully obeyed these directives.  Even when tested by Jeremiah, they remained true to their vow to drink no wine.  It was in this interaction with Jeremiah that I found myself saying, "Wait... What?" 

"Because you have obeyed the command of..."  What would you expect the next word in that sentence to be?  I expected "Because you have obeyed the command of the Lord..."  But, surprisingly we read, "Because you have obeyed the command of your father Jonadab."  This is especially astonishing when we consider the result: There would always be someone from Jonadab's family to "stand before" the Lord.  Because of the faithfulness of these men, future generations of the Rechabites would always have men of faith to stand before God.  That is a serendipity worth a "Wait... What?"

God is looking for men and women of faith and principles.  When a generation has them, spiritual values will flourish and will live on to be expressed in the next generation.  A generation without faith and principles will also live on, but to the detriment of coming generations.

What are the values - the good and wholesome principles - that we have received from our forefathers?  Are we obeying them?

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for the lessons from the past.  In this day when truth is "fluid" and history is forsaken, help me to find the principles that should endure.  Then, Lord, help me to live up to these principles, so that future generations may know you.  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 119.57-64

57 The Lord is my portion; I promise to keep your words.

58 I entreat your favor with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise.

59 When I think on my ways, I turn my feet to your testimonies;

60 I hasten and do not delay to keep your commandments.

61 Though the cords of the wicked ensnare me, I do not forget your law.

62 At midnight I rise to praise you, because of your righteous rules.

63 I am a companion of all who fear you, of those who keep your precepts.

64 The earth, O Lord, is full of your steadfast love; teach me your statutes!