II Kings 24:1-4; Jeremiah 35
Today we get an interesting little story involving a clan called the Rechabites. Don’t worry. You’ll be forgiven if you do not recognize that clan. But if you are curious, feel free to look back at II Kings 10:15,23 to reacquaint yourself with Jonadab/Jehonadab’s role in Jehu’s overthrow of Israel’s King Ahab and the subsequent purge of Baalism there 200+ years before this point. (Aside from the fact that Jonadab is clearly no fan of Baal, none of that history sheds much light on today’s story.)
With the Rechabites’ refusal to drink wine and the LORD’s subsequent commendation of them, I expect (in fact, I am quite sure) that today’s reading has been used in support of teetotalism. But teetotalism is not the point of this story any more than the notion that we should all also emulate the Rechabites in adopting a nomadic lifestyle. The point is that the Rechabite clan’s adherence to Jonadab’s command is in stark contrast to Judah’s complete refusal to obey the LORD, despite the LORD’s persistent calling.
We can be like the Rechabites. Or we can be like the people of Judah. Which will it be?