RADICAL OBEDIENCE Jeremiah 35:5-19

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The Obedience of the Rechabites

It’s irritating to play a game with someone who doesn’t follow the rules.— On the other hand…we also know what it feels like…when our homes or schools…seem to have too many rules.— But God’s Word isn’t meant to be an endless list of tiring to-do’s.— God’s word gives us life.— It fills us with wisdom...and gives us the truth…we need to have a spectacular relationship with God and others.— It shows us how to live on purpose…in the purpose for which God created us.— Sadly…sometimes studying and applying God’s Word falls down the list of our priorities.— We are going to see…Judah is rebuked by God…for refusing to obey His commands.— Obeying the Word of God…to honor the God of the Word…must be the top priority in our lives.

Jeremiah 35:5-11 ”Then I set before the Rechabites pitchers full of wine, and cups, and I said to them, “Drink wine.” But they answered, “We will drink no wine, for Jonadab the son of Rechab, our father, commanded us, ‘You shall not drink wine, neither you nor your sons forever. You shall not build a house; you shall not sow seed; you shall not plant or have a vineyard; but you shall live in tents all your days, that you may live many days in the land where you sojourn.’ We have obeyed the voice of Jonadab the son of Rechab, our father, in all that he commanded us, to drink no wine all our days, ourselves, our wives, our sons, or our daughters, and not to build houses to dwell in. We have no vineyard or field or seed, 10 but we have lived in tents and have obeyed and done all that Jonadab our father commanded us. 11 But when Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came up against the land, we said, ‘Come, and let us go to Jerusalem for fear of the army of the Chaldeans and the army of the Syrians.’ So we are living in Jerusalem.”

(verse 5)
“Drink wine”...Jeremiah invited them.
This was a tempting opportunity…for the Rechabites...to break the command...of their ancentor…if they had been so inclined.
Jeremiah sets out wine...before the Rechabites...knowing...they will not drink it.
The action takes place...in the temple chambers...providing a public audience...for Jeremiah’s contrasting examples...of covenant loyalty.
(Verses 6-7)
We will drink no wine...The Rechabites refuse...and offer a detailed explanation...of the prohibitions...passed on to the family by their ancestor...Jonadab.
Jonadab...actively supported...Jehu’s purge...of the supporters of Baal...suggesting that he may have been a committed follower of God.
2 Kings 10:15-17 “And when he departed from there, he met Jehonadab the son of Rechab coming to meet him. And he greeted him and said to him, “Is your heart true to my heart as mine is to yours?” And Jehonadab answered, “It is.” Jehu said, “If it is, give me your hand.” So he gave him his hand. And Jehu took him up with him into the chariot. 16 And he said, “Come with me, and see my zeal for the Lord.” So he had him ride in his chariot. 17 And when he came to Samaria, he struck down all who remained to Ahab in Samaria, till he had wiped them out, according to the word of the Lord that he spoke to Elijah.
“Is your heart true to my heart as mine is to yours?”…the chapter’s theme is…who is on the Lord’s side…who is in the right?...
Jehonadab…who is on the right side...taking us back to Jeremiah 35...
Jonadab the son of Rechab…as the founder...of a purist religious group…commited to Israel’s older ways.
The rechabites declined…the offer of wine…making it clear…that they had obeyed Jonadab son of Rechab.
(Verse 7)
You shall not build a house...Jonadab’s rules...required abstaining from alcohol...agriculture...and permanent housing.
The purpose behind these rules is unclear...but Jeremiah is not concerned...with why the Rechabites obey—simply that they do obey.
The clan has kept these rules...for a period of at least 200 years.
The story of Jehu’s rebellion...in which Jonadab plays a minor part...takes place around 840 bc.
The rules...might be designed to keep the clan separate...from Israelite society...and untainted by Canaanite religious practices.
The prohibition against alcohol...is unusual as a trait...for this time…it was strange and unconventional living.
It was the reason behind...their unusual lifestyle...that was truly striking.
The reason was...simply that their ancestor…Jonadab…had told them to live that way.
(Verse 8-10)
The Rechabites informed Jeremiah…that they had never broken...the command of their ancestor.
Their “father”…Jonadab…either by drinking wine…building houses…or planting vineyards…or crops.
(Verse 11)
the army of the Chaldeans…The Rechabites…had lived on the outskirts…of normal society for generations...
They explain...the apparent inconsistency...in their current city life...by noting...it was a temporary response...to the invasion.
They had only entered Jerusalem for protection…from the Babylonian…and Aramean armies.
The Arameans…or Syrians…were allies with the Babylonians at that time…and participated in the invasion of Judah…during Jehoiakim’s reign.
2 Kings 24:2 “And the Lord sent against him bands of the Chaldeans and bands of the Syrians and bands of the Moabites and bands of the Ammonites, and sent them against Judah to destroy it, according to the word of the Lord that he spoke by his servants the prophets.”

Jeremiah 35:12-17 “Then the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah: 13 “Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: Go and say to the people of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, Will you not receive instruction and listen to my words? declares the Lord. 14 The command that Jonadab the son of Rechab gave to his sons, to drink no wine, has been kept, and they drink none to this day, for they have obeyed their father’s command. I have spoken to you persistently, but you have not listened to me. 15 I have sent to you all my servants the prophets, sending them persistently, saying, ‘Turn now every one of you from his evil way, and amend your deeds, and do not go after other gods to serve them, and then you shall dwell in the land that I gave to you and your fathers.’ But you did not incline your ear or listen to me. 16 The sons of Jonadab the son of Rechab have kept the command that their father gave them, but this people has not obeyed me. 17 Therefore, thus says the Lord, the God of hosts, the God of Israel: Behold, I am bringing upon Judah and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem all the disaster that I have pronounced against them, because I have spoken to them and they have not listened, I have called to them and they have not answered.”

In (Verses 12-16)
The Lord points out...the stark contrast between the Rechabites…who have kept the command of Jonadab…and His people Israel…who have not listened.
God sent regular reminders…of His covenant with Judah…through the prophets…to no avail.
Jeremiah 7:23-25 “But this command I gave them: ‘Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be my people. And walk in all the way that I command you, that it may be well with you.’ 24 But they did not obey or incline their ear, but walked in their own counsels and the stubbornness of their evil hearts, and went backward and not forward. 25 From the day that your fathers came out of the land of Egypt to this day, I have persistently sent all my servants the prophets to them, day after day.”
Jeremiah 25:3-4 “For twenty-three years, from the thirteenth year of Josiah the son of Amon, king of Judah, to this day, the word of the Lord has come to me, and I have spoken persistently to you, but you have not listened. 4 You have neither listened nor inclined your ears to hear, although the Lord persistently sent to you all his servants the prophets,”
Jeremiah 32:33 “They have turned to me their back and not their face. And though I have taught them persistently, they have not listened to receive instruction.”
The Rechabites...needed to be told only once...to obey their ancestor.
(Verse 14)
I don’t believe...the Lord was necessarily commending...these peoples nomadic life-style.
God is commending their obedience…to the command of a dead ancestor…to drink no wine.
they have obeyed their father’s command...The example of the Rechabites...is held up for Judah to follow.
They obeyed their father’s command...so Judah should obey God.
but you have not listened to me...Judah’s persistent failure to repent...despite frequent appeals from the prophets...will lead to disaster.
(Verses 15-16)
Jonadab…had spoken his command long ago…and his descendants obeyed him.
the Lord sent…my servants the prophets…to His people persistently.
Those prophets faithfully communicated…God’s warnings that…the people must turn from their evil ways…and amend…(“make good”) their actions and not serve...other gods.
If they would obey Him…He promised...that they would remain in the land…He had given them...and their ancestors.
The history of the people of Judah proved…they did not pay attention…to the Lord.
(Verse 17)
Because of the peoples continued disobedience…the Lord announced…that He was going to bring on them…all the disaster…He had already pronounced against them.
These people were like disobedient children…who refuse to answer…when their father or mother calls.
God commanded...each of His people...to honor their father and mother…to place high value on them…and treat them with deep reverence and respect.
Judah had dishonored their heavenly Father for centuries...
Malachi 1:6A son honors his father, and a servant his master. If then I am a father, where is my honor? And if I am a master, where is my fear? says the Lord of hosts to you, O priests, who despise my name. But you say, ‘How have we despised your name?’
A son honors his father…bringing honor and glory to his name...
O priests...The priests were the descendants of Aaron who served in the temple...
God says...from the rising of the sun to its setting my name will be great...” The priests’ disobedience...was causing harm to God’s reputation.
The Rechabites…brought honor to their ancestors…and to themselves…by following their ancestor’s commands.
Commands that had been made to protect their way of life...
The people of Judah...had ignored God’s commands…which had been made...to protect and bless them...
Their disobedience...dishonored God…in turn…bringing dishonor and shame upon themselves.

Jeremiah 35:18-19 “But to the house of the Rechabites Jeremiah said, “Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: Because you have obeyed the command of Jonadab your father and kept all his precepts and done all that he commanded you, 19 therefore thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: Jonadab the son of Rechab shall never lack a man to stand before me.”

(Verses 18-19)
Jeremiah spoke to the Rechabites…he commended them...for their obedience to their ancestor’s command.
Because of their faithfulness…the Lord pronounced a blessing on them…through Jeremiah...
Disaster would come to Judah…because of their continued opposition and disobedience to God...
but the Rechabites…would never lack a man to stand before me.
The blessing is a promise…that they would not be distroyed as a family...
what happened to the Rechabites after 587 BC is unknown…except for Malchijah…son of Rechab.
He repaired the Dung Gate in the days of Nehemiah.
Nehemiah 3:14 “Malchijah the son of Rechab, ruler of the district of Beth-haccherem, repaired the Dung Gate. He rebuilt it and set its doors, its bolts, and its bars.”
Being obedient to Jesus...is so much more powerful and beautiful...than just following the rules...
Obedience is a profound act of love…In John 14:21 Jesus says...
“Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.”
When we obey the Word of God…we declare our trust in Jesus...
our obedience says...”I believe...You are who You say You are!”
To Jesus…our obediece is more than a “have to”…its a “get to”…we get to show Him...and the world around us…that we know Jesus to be good…perfect…and wonderful.
As humans…we all have different things…that make us feel loved.
Some feel love through encouraging words…others feel loved…when someone spends their time with them.
Jesus feels loved when we follow His commands.
It’s not complicated…No expensive gifts…no sentimental memento.
He wants to empower us...to do His will…for our good…and for His glory.

GOD’S WORD REJECTED Jeremiah 36:19-31

God’s Word was carefully written...and read to Judah’s leaders.— They didn’t listen or heed God’s commands…and the consequences were severe.
God’s Word is filled with the truth…but its truth can only transform us...when we receive it...and apply it.
The Word of the Lord...was clearly written...and directly communicated.— God’s intention was to help Judah…but His Word was rejected.

Jeremiah 36:19-21 “Then the officials said to Baruch, “Go and hide, you and Jeremiah, and let no one know where you are.” 20 So they went into the court to the king, having put the scroll in the chamber of Elishama the secretary, and they reported all the words to the king. 21 Then the king sent Jehudi to get the scroll, and he took it from the chamber of Elishama the secretary. And Jehudi read it to the king and all the officials who stood beside the king.

(Verse 19)
Baruch…Was Jeremiah’s friend…scribe…and disciple.
His name in Hebrew means “blessed”…Baruch was a faithful servant of God…He also…recorded Jeremiahs’s prophecies on a scroll...
Because Jeremiah had been barred...from entering the temple…it was Baruch...who read the words...of the scroll...
The officials seemed to believe what Jeremiah had written...
Jeremiah 36:1-15 “In the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah, this word came to Jeremiah from the Lord: 2 “Take a scroll and write on it all the words that I have spoken to you against Israel and Judah and all the nations, from the day I spoke to you, from the days of Josiah until today. 3 It may be that the house of Judah will hear all the disaster that I intend to do to them, so that every one may turn from his evil way, and that I may forgive their iniquity and their sin.”
4 Then Jeremiah called Baruch the son of Neriah, and Baruch wrote on a scroll at the dictation of Jeremiah all the words of the Lord that he had spoken to him. 5 And Jeremiah ordered Baruch, saying, “I am banned from going to the house of the Lord, 6 so you are to go, and on a day of fasting in the hearing of all the people in the Lord’s house you shall read the words of the Lord from the scroll that you have written at my dictation. You shall read them also in the hearing of all the men of Judah who come out of their cities. 7 It may be that their plea for mercy will come before the Lord, and that every one will turn from his evil way, for great is the anger and wrath that the Lord has pronounced against this people.” 8 And Baruch the son of Neriah did all that Jeremiah the prophet ordered him about reading from the scroll the words of the Lord in the Lord’s house.
9 In the fifth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah, in the ninth month, all the people in Jerusalem and all the people who came from the cities of Judah to Jerusalem proclaimed a fast before the Lord. 10 Then, in the hearing of all the people, Baruch read the words of Jeremiah from the scroll, in the house of the Lord, in the chamber of Gemariah the son of Shaphan the secretary, which was in the upper court, at the entry of the New Gate of the Lord’s house.
11 When Micaiah the son of Gemariah, son of Shaphan, heard all the words of the Lord from the scroll, 12 he went down to the king’s house, into the secretary’s chamber, and all the officials were sitting there: Elishama the secretary, Delaiah the son of Shemaiah, Elnathan the son of Achbor, Gemariah the son of Shaphan, Zedekiah the son of Hananiah, and all the officials. 13 And Micaiah told them all the words that he had heard, when Baruch read the scroll in the hearing of the people. 14 Then all the officials sent Jehudi the son of Nethaniah, son of Shelemiah, son of Cushi, to say to Baruch, “Take in your hand the scroll that you read in the hearing of the people, and come.” So Baruch the son of Neriah took the scroll in his hand and came to them. 15 And they said to him, “Sit down and read it.” So Baruch read it to them.
Go and hide, you and Jeremiah...The officials believe...that the message...is important enough to bring to the king...but they also are aware...that a negative reaction...by the king...would endanger...both Baruch and Jeremiah.
The precaution was understandable…do you think these officials...may have had sympothy...for Jeremiah and his message?
I’m sure these individuals...remembered...what had happened...to uriah the prophet…
Jeremiah 26:20-23 “There was another man who prophesied in the name of the Lord, Uriah the son of Shemaiah from Kiriath-jearim. He prophesied against this city and against this land in words like those of Jeremiah. 21 And when King Jehoiakim, with all his warriors and all the officials, heard his words, the king sought to put him to death. But when Uriah heard of it, he was afraid and fled and escaped to Egypt. 22 Then King Jehoiakim sent to Egypt certain men, Elnathan the son of Achbor and others with him, 23 and they took Uriah from Egypt and brought him to King Jehoiakim, who struck him down with the sword and dumped his dead body into the burial place of the common people.”
Their advice for Baruch and Jeremiah to hide proves to be appropriate...
Jeremiah 36:26 “And the king commanded Jerahmeel the king’s son and Seraiah the son of Azriel and Shelemiah the son of Abdeel to seize Baruch the secretary and Jeremiah the prophet, but the Lord hid them.”
(Verses 20-21)
The officials...knew the king well enough...to anticipate his violent reaction...
to protect the scroll...they hid it away...in the chamber of Elishama the secretary...
Then…they went...and reported the words of it...to the king.
the king sent Jehudi to get the scroll...Jehoiakim’s request...to hear the words directly from the scroll...is a ploy...to get his hands on the scroll...to burn it.
Jehoiakim...wants God’s message destroyed...and to kill...anyone who dares to share it.

Jeremiah 36:22-26 “It was the ninth month, and the king was sitting in the winter house, and there was a fire burning in the fire pot before him. 23 As Jehudi read three or four columns, the king would cut them off with a knife and throw them into the fire in the fire pot, until the entire scroll was consumed in the fire that was in the fire pot. 24 Yet neither the king nor any of his servants who heard all these words was afraid, nor did they tear their garments. 25 Even when Elnathan and Delaiah and Gemariah urged the king not to burn the scroll, he would not listen to them. 26 And the king commanded Jerahmeel the king’s son and Seraiah the son of Azriel and Shelemiah the son of Abdeel to seize Baruch the secretary and Jeremiah the prophet, but the Lord hid them.”

(Verses 22-25)
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