Click Here To Read Previous Devotional: Upholding the Christian Standard (1)
TOPIC: Upholding the Christian Standard (2)
SUBTITLE: THE BATTLE BETWEEN TRADITION AND CHRISTIAN CULTURE
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Jeremiah 35:1-19; Mark 7:1-5, 8, -9, 13; Gal. 1: 11-16; Col. 2: 6-8.
MEMORISE: 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. Jere 35:6
MESSAGE: Our forefathers made no pretense in worshiping and servicing traditional altars handed over to them by the ancestors of the land.
It was part of their pride and prestige to ensure that generations after generations including those unborn were held bound by the tenets of what they have secured, signed and sealed that will govern the family. They fondly referred to such as customs or traditions of the land. Up till today, we have families that worship Python, snail, lizard etc, Communities that will not eat new yam until it is dedicated to the ancestors in a well publicized ceremony, new babies being taken into the old ancient shrine as soon as they are born to announce their arrival to the departed patriarchs of tradition whom they believe their spirit still guides the family etc. Somehow, we realized that people have gotten so entangled with the roots of tradition at the expense of the gospel of Christ that cuts across every tradition .
JEREMIAH’S CRUSADE WITH THE RECHABITES: Jeremiah 35:1-19
While God had a running battle with the Israelites against their stubbornness and refusal to bow to His commandments Jonadab by his last will and testament handed over to the RECHABITES the way of living, received overwhelming applauds and adherence generation after generation. As a result of this, Jeremiah was directed to hold an illustrative meeting with a people who over the years have remained diligent, determined and dedicated to the course and practice of the traditions of their forefathers.
COMPONENTS OF THE RECHABITES INHERITANCE AS WILLED BY THEIR EARTHLY FATHERS.
It was basically a clarion call unto separation and followership.
They were not to drink wine which was also part of the Nazarite vow. In some exceptional instances, it was to be used sparingly especially for medicinal purpose as detailed in 1 Tim. 5:23.
2. They were to dwell in tents and forbidden from building houses, buy lands, sow seeds, nor plant vineyards etc. This command was extremely strict and a direct mortification of their desires. It outrightly. crossed the bounds of the Nazarenes who were only obliged to dwell in tents as a symbol of humility and a demonstration of how transient material possessions is.
These stringent measures were not just intended to demonstrate supremacy and leadership skills but to enable the generations yet to be born to preserve the ancient customs and traditions of the elders who have gone ahead. It is also possible that it was intended to have them live an average life that will not attract envy and enmity from their neighbours Gen. 26:14. This might have also helped to check them against the temptations of sensual and luxurious life that was the order of the day in the neighbouring communities.
Observe that THERE WAS NO PENALTY attached by Jonadab for defaulting yet they held tenaciously to the old landmark practices of their fathers.
COMPONENTS OF THE CHRISTIANS’ INHERITANCE AS WILLED BY OUR HEAVENLY FATHER.
- A CALL UNTO SEPARATION: John 15:19; 2 Cor. 6:14-17;! 1 John 2:15-17; 3:1.
- A CALL UNTO FOLLOWERSHIP. Ps 91:1; John 3:1-3, 16; 10:11, 14-17.
The Christian culture which is supreme and regulates all others has over the years been greeted with resistance, spotted with arguments and marked by contempt. The recklessness we see on the pulpit and the scandals in the pew only questions the integrity of discussing on upholding the Christian Standard where there seems to be non not to talk of upholding!
While the Rechabites were proud defenders of the inheritance of the customs of their forefathers and were ready to defend them at the expense of their freedom, the Christian Faith has suffered suppression, condoned compromise and certified criminality as sin reigns unchecked.
Again, while the RECHABITES were fearless to make mention of their position as instructed by their earthly fathers and refused to shift grounds, the Church today is afraid to speak on holiness, welcomes freelance lifestyle and with a few dollars the gospel is swiftly compromised and the sinner fanned to the altar where even holy men fear to access..
Just like the Pharisees who by their pious nature brought shame and disgrace to the efficacy of the word, today’s church is hell bent to run pari passu the traditions of men with the sacred word of God even where there are clear cut warnings. Who is witch hunting us?
God bless!
Thank you for reading Daily Devotional 17 October 2021 Message By The Prayer Portal
