Read Jeremiah 34 – 36

Highlights:

In chap. 34 & 36 a loving Father warns His children over and over again of impending judgement that they might repent (36:1-3). No matter how often the wicked try to destroy the Word of God, it comes back, even stronger (36:32). In chap. 35 the Recabites are honored for their lifelong obedience (35:18-19).

And I set before the sons of the house of the Rechabites pots full of wine, and cups, and I said unto them, Drink ye wine. But they said, We will drink no wine: for Jonadab the son of Rechab our father commanded us, saying, Ye shall drink no wine, neither ye, nor your sons for ever (Jer. 35:5-6).

It would be easy to take these verses and speak on the evils and dangers of consumption of alcohol, and there are many who have done just that utilizing this verse. It is true that alcohol can cause a person to lose their inhibitions, and can be a dangerous thing. The Word of God speaks several times in the Old and New Testament alike about the sin there is in drunkenness. However, in looking at these particular Scriptures, we see it can point to a different concept. The broader thought on these verses can go well beyond the walls of just speaking on alcohol alone. These verses paint a picture of these individuals holding true to a fundamental principle of which they felt strongly. This Scripture speaks of being obedient to their father's command. Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise (Eph. 6:2).

The heart’s desire of every believer should be to be a person who follows God's Word. The prayer of our hearts should be that we stand on these godly principles during all of life's challenges. The Lord gave us His Word not just for reading pleasure, but as a set of guidelines on how to conduct our lives as Christians.

One of the problems we have in life is that so many of Christ's followers compromise their principles. In the good and easy times it is no problem being true to the Word of God, but what happens to those same rules for living when the tough times come? Do we hold true to our beliefs, or do we succumb to the pressures of life?

The fires of life are what try us. How do we respond to them? Do we allow them to surface? Can we say with Job, when He hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold (Job 23:10)?

That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ (1 Pet. 1:7).

Thought for Today:

It is always right to stand for the truth.

Christ Revealed:

As the One who desires forgiveness, repentance, and liberty for all who are in bondage (Jer. 36:3). Jesus said: The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me . . . to preach the Gospel (Luke 4:18).

Word Studies:

34:5 burnings, ceremonial incense burning, to honor the dead (especially kings) at their funerals (1 Chr. 16:14); 35:19 not want, never be without.

Prayer Suggestion: Confess any sins in your life so that your prayers can be heard (Ps. 66:18-19).

Optional Reading: 2 John 1

Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 90:4