Editorial
Lessons from the Rechabites
The story of the Rechabites, as found in Jeremiah 35, is a challenging example. The Lord Himself used them as an illustration to communicate a message against Judah.
According to the word of the Lord, Jeremiah brought the Rechabites to the house of God and served them wine to drink. Refusing the offer they said, “We will drink no wine, for Jonadab the son of Rechab, our father, commanded us saying ‘you shall drink no wine, you nor your sons, forever’….... Thus, we have obeyed the voice of Jonadab the son of Rechab, our father, in all that he charged us...” (Jer. 35:6, 8).
Remember, Rechabites were not from the tribe of Israel. They are descendants of the Kenite, Moses’ brother-in-law (Judges 1:16). Further, Jonadab, the founder of the Rechabite family, lived around 250 years earlier.
Obedience
Pointing out their zeal in faithfully obeying their ancestor, the Lord Jehovah reprimanded Judah for paying no attention to His repeated commands through His servants (Jeremiah 35:13–16).
The emphasis in Jeremiah 35 is not on those specific instructions, but on their strict observance of those traditions set by Jonadab even after two centuries. If the Rechabites gave so much value to human traditions, how much more should God’s people value divine instructions?
Responsibility
This story also teaches us the responsibility of both the older and younger generations. Jonadab, the founder of the Rechabite family, was concerned about the lifestyle of his descendants even after his departure. So, he strictly commanded them regarding the kind of life they should live throughout the future generations. Thus, the successive generations faithfully followed his instructions.
This is an important point to consider. Do we have a concern about the spiritual welfare of the next generation? It is from this perspective that we are focusing on our ‘Concern for the Coming Generations’ in our main article. The six important things Joshua did for the victorious future of Israel are instructive and exemplary.
At the same time, we continue to explore the lessons on a victorious life from the book of Joshua. The ‘Steps to Victory’ found in Joshua chapter one is fundamental and practical.
Bro. Enoch Reuben Muniah continues with his reflections on the ‘Creation and Creator’, emphasizing the authority and accuracy of the word of God.
‘Characteristics of a Victorious Man’ is a six-point sermon outline based on Nehemiah’s life. Though it is brief, it was a challenging message by Bro. Vinoji Samuel from Malawi.
In the news & views section, we have included a brief report on the current state of God’s people in India, which should inspire saints to intercede for this land.
Thank you again for your support and encouragement. May the Lord’s name be glorified.
Sincerely,
NTK
