Read Jeremiah Chapter 35. My Parents Were Actually Pretty Smart!
The Rekabite family were great role models when it comes to obeying commands given to them from their forefathers. Their forefathers said not to drink wine and not to live in houses but in tents. These commands were passed down from generation to generation to generation. God used their obedience as an example for the rest of Judah saying, “The Rekabites have obeyed the commands given to them by their ancestors, so why does Judah reject my commands to repent and be holy?”
What type of person must the Rekabites been to be obedient for so many generations? Here’s my thoughts:
1. People of love and respect for their family, their parents, and grandparents.
2. Obedience comes from a person who understands love and respect for their authority figures. Where respect is lacking, you find defiance, selfishness, and/or arrogance.
The Rekabite families had to have communicated clearly what was expected from their children. I’m sure they were well-defined and articulated.
How well do we articulate to our kids what’s important? How do we communicate the value of spiritual growth through the church, through the Scriptures, and through prayer? How well do we communicate the value of respect for others? To verbally communicate your values and then physically live them out, speaks loudly of what’s important. To speak it, but then not live it, has minimal influence on a kid. Kids are more apt to follow what you do versus what you say. So what is important? Communicate it clearly, then live it. Such practices are more apt to be passed down from generation to generation. I pray that spiritual growth becomes more important than the things of this world.
