Jeremiah 35:14

Jeremiah tells the story of a group of people descended from Rechab, called the Rechabites. Apparently, the son of Rechab, called Jonadab, had commanded all his sons and descendants not to drink wine or plant seeds or take up abode anywhere, but to live in tents. Jeremiah invites them to the temple and gives them all wine to drink and tells them to drink it, but even then they say no, obeying their ‘father’ Jonadab. This was to be a lesson for God’s children Israel, and should be a stark lesson for us.

‘The words of Jonadab the son of Rechab, which he commanded his sons, not to drink wine, are performed; for to this day they drink none, and obey their father’s commandment. But although I have spoken to you, rising early and speaking, you did not obey Me.’ (Jeremiah 35:14)

If we can obey man’s commandments, why can we not obey God’s commandments? They are obviously much more important. This challenged me, and I hope it challenges you too.