Tradition!
Read Jeremiah 34:1–38:28
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12. Then the Lord gave this message to Jeremiah:
13. “This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel, says: Go and say to the people in Judah and Jerusalem, ‘Come and learn a lesson about how to obey me.
14. The Recabites do not drink wine to this day because their ancestor Jehonadab told them not to. But I have spoken to you again and again, and you refuse to obey me.
15. Time after time I sent you prophets, who told you, “Turn from your wicked ways, and start doing things right. Stop worshiping other gods so that you might live in peace here in the land I have given to you and your ancestors.” But you would not listen to me or obey me.
16. The descendants of Jehonadab son of Recab have obeyed their ancestor completely, but you have refused to listen to me.’” Jeremiah 35:12-16
Every family has a special link to the past. Some remember their ethnic roots and can tell you about their proud heritage. Others have favorite stories of the struggles that their grandparents or great-grandparents endured. Still others remember the heroic acts, faith, wisdom, or accomplishments of an ancestor who made a mark and left a story (if not a photo), making the relatives who live today somehow special.
This passage contains Jeremiah’s last-minute prophecies and what happened to him and to the nation around the time he was giving them. It’s Judah’s last hour—Jerusalem is under siege by the Babylonians (as Jeremiah predicted) and is about to fall. In case anyone doesn’t understand why, Jeremiah provides a vivid illustration through the Recabite family and their cherished past.
As Christians, we have a long and glorious family tradition of seeking God and living for him. Although we should not emulate our spiritual ancestors merely out of tradition, we can and should learn from their example. We should seek God with all our hearts and obey his Word in every aspect of life, even if it means dying for Jesus Christ.
Take some time to reflect on your personal spiritual heritage. Thank God for godly parents, grandparents, and other relatives who have kept your family on the right path. If you have no such memories or heritage, determine that it will begin with you and your family. Make spiritual memories that your children and grandchildren will reflect upon to gain strength and inspiration.
