January 23, 2023
Bishop, W. F. Houston, Jr.
***C H O F Ministry Bible Study Reading: Jeremiah 35
**C H O F Ministry Focal Verse: Jeremiah 35:13 - Will you not learn a lesson and obey my words?
*Sometimes, it doesn't matter how knowledgeable the instructor is; we can't seem to grasp the material. As we read today, God instructed the prophet Jeremiah to teach by showing us how the Rekabites lived (v. 13). Who exactly were these Rekabite people? During the time that King Jehu was in power, the Rekabite people stayed obedient to the Lord, fought against Baal's worship, and supported Jehu's reforms (2 Kings 10:15–23).
The events of today's reading from Jeremiah 35 occur more than 200 years later. Although the Rekabites were compelled to seek refuge in Jerusalem because of the invading Babylonians, their descendants stayed loyal to their teachings (Jer. 35:6–11).
When the prophet Jeremiah urged them to drink wine, he asked them to break a tradition that had been in place for a long time (vv. 1–5). They would not comply. The prophet pointed to their faithfulness as evidence against Judah
(vv. 12-16). Why were the people of Judah unable to repent of their idolatry and keep the law of God if this little group could accept human orders and customs? God had often communicated with them via the prophets, urging them to return to the obedience required by the covenant. The contrast was clear: "[The Rekabites] obeyed the command their forefather gave them, whereas these people disobeyed me" (v. 16).
God's wrath will befall those who refuse to learn. It's a fact that God is kind and tolerant of our shortcomings. He's very generous and offers numerous opportunities and "second chances." But they will not be able to make fun of Him in the end. The inability to comprehend the lessons that provides a moral and spiritual way of life is foolish and wicked. People who believe that God will never intervene in their lives are gravely erroneous in their beliefs (2 Peter 3:3–7). Sin results in repercussions and the judgment of God, which in this case takes the form of conquest and exile at the hands of the Babylonians (Jer. 35:17).
Beloved, if only the people of Judah had paid attention to what God had to say. Oh, if only... Then they would have been blessed with His provisions of tranquility and prosperity. (Isa. 48:17–19). Avoid making "if only" your life's defining phrase.
Let Us Pray:
Dear Heavenly Father, It's amazing how fast we can forget how wise it is to obey the God who is righteous. Today, we acknowledge the ways in which we have closed ourselves off emotionally to you. Please humble us as we resubmit to you these areas where we have disobeyed. In Jesus’ Name we pray, Amen.