Are you faithful?

 Lesson on Jeremiah 35:5-11

   Jeremiah 35:5 Then I set before the Rechabites pitchers full of wine, and cups, and I said to them, "Drink wine." 6But 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. 7 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.’ 8 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, 9 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."  English Standard Version

    The passage focuses on the Rekabites, a family/clan in Judah who made a vow to their ancestor Jonadab (son of Rechab) that they and their descendants would abstain from wine, not build houses, not sow seed, not plant vineyards, and live in tents instead. In the lesson, the prophet Jeremiah invites the Rechabites to drink wine and sit in the temple of the Lord, but they refuse—being faithful to their ancestor’s command.

Jeremiah then brings members of the ruling house of Judah and the temple officials and offers them wine; they accept.

    God uses the Rekabites,’ obedience as a contrast to the disobedience of Judah and Jerusalem, showing that even a small group was faithful to their vow, while the people of God were not keeping His commands.As a result, God pronounces a promise: because the Rechabites obeyed, He will preserve a continuous line of their descendants so that they will always have a spokesman standing before Him. The Rechabites’ steadfast adherence to their promise is held up as exemplary example. God uses Jeremiah to contrast obedience vs. disobedience: Their obedience highlights the failure of others who claim a covenant with God but don’t live accordingly. The lesson uses this biblical example to encourage the congregation to honor their commitments to God and family, emphasizing that the lack of faithfulness affects all aspects of life, including church attendance, parenting, and personal conduct. Throughout the discussion, the speakers also touch on prayer requests for sick and grieving members, church announcements, and the importance of studying the Bible and resisting worldly temptations.

The rest of the chapter 

Jeremiah 35: 12 Then the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah, saying: 13 “This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: Go and tell the people of Judah and those living in Jerusalem, ‘Will you not learn a lesson and obey my words?’ declares the Lord. 14 ‘Jehonadab son of Rekab ordered his descendants not to drink wine and this command has been kept. To this day they do not drink wine, because they obey their forefather’s command. But I have spoken to you again and again, yet you have not obeyed me. 15 Again and again I sent all my servants the prophets to you. They said, “Each of you must turn from your wicked ways and reform your actions; do not follow other gods to serve them. Then you will live in the land I have given to you and your ancestors.” But you have not paid attention or listened to me. 16 The descendants of Jehonadab son of Rekab have carried out the command their forefather gave them, but these people have not obeyed me.’17 “Therefore this is what the Lord God Almighty, the God of Israel, says: ‘Listen! I am going to bring on Judah and on everyone living in Jerusalem every disaster I pronounced against them. I spoke to them, but they did not listen; I called to them, but they did not answer.’”18 Then Jeremiah said to the family of the Rekabites, “This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: ‘You have obeyed the command of your forefather Jehonadab and have followed all his instructions and have done everything he ordered.’ 19 Therefore this is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: ‘Jehonadab son of Rekab will never fail to have a descendant to serve me.’”

Main Themes

5 points stand out :

1. True obedience is proven by action, not words.

“We will not drink wine, because our forefather Jonadab son of Rechab gave us this command.” — Jeremiah 35:6

The Rekabites,didn’t just say they would obey—they lived it out even when tempted by a prophet’s invitation.

Lesson: Genuine obedience means living according to convictions even when circumstances change or when no one is watching.

 See : James 1:22 — “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only.”

2. Faithfulness in small things earns God’s favor.

“Because you have obeyed the command of Jonadab your father… therefore Jonadab son of Rechab shall never fail to have a descendant to stand before Me.” — Jeremiah 35:18-19

The Rechabites,’ obedience to a human ancestor’s command drew God’s blessing.

Lesson: God honors consistent, humble obedience—even when it doesn’t seem grand or publicly recognized.

See : Luke 16:10 — “Whoever is faithful in very little is faithful also in much.”

3. Discipline protects devotion.

The Rechabites,’ abstaining from wine and city life kept them distinct and focused.

Lesson: Setting healthy boundaries (spiritual, physical, or social) can preserve faith and identity in a culture that pressures conformity.

See : 1 Corinthians 9:25-27 — “Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training.”

4. God values generational integrity.

“They have obeyed their ancestor’s command, but these people have not obeyed Me.” — Jeremiah 35:16

Their faithfulness across generations contrasted Judah’s neglect of God’s covenant.

Lesson: A family or community that keeps faith alive across generations becomes a living testimony to God’s enduring truth.

See : Deuteronomy 6:6-7 — “Impress [these commands] on your children…”

5. Obedience brings stability amid judgment.

While Judah faced destruction, the Rekabites,received a promise of preservation.

Lesson: In times of chaos or national decline, obedience to God’s principles provides safety, peace, and continuity.

See : Psalm 91:1 — “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.”

  Every Believer and all those who profess Jesus and savoir and Lord  must asks "are we living consistent with the promises we have made to God. Thier lifestyle and choices should reflect the commitments claimed. Being faithful in smaller things.    Obedience isn’t always obvious or glamorous, but it is marked and noted by God.  Self-discipline  and faithfulness can demonstrate identity to Jesus Christ. The Rechabites’ lifestyle choices (no wine, no houses, live in tents) tied directly into their identity and their commitment to their promise. God’s recognizes and rewards faithful obedience to him no matter how small. It is important to honor our commitments made to God and pass it on through to the next generation.. 

Supporting scriptures 

Matthew 25:20 “So he who had received five talents came and brought five other talents, saying, ‘Lord, you delivered to me five talents; look, I have gained five more talents besides them.’ 21 His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’New King James Version

Exodus 19:8 Then all the people answered together and said, “All that the Lord has spoken we will do.” So Moses brought back the words of the people to the Lord.

New King James Version

Romans 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.New King James Version 

  As with everything we must make sure any traditions are biblical and conform to God's will  Respect, Fear and Love should be reasons we try to be faithful to our promise to God and others , Every Christian must ask am i more like the Rekabites or failing God like the nation of jews during the ministry of Jeremiah. We need to be more like our The Father, Son and Holy Spirit . God is always faithful 

Edited/Written by SSligh blog creator/moderator

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