September 8, 2024 Preaching | Ptr. Ricky Sarthou
The greatest threat to the family today is idolatry of self—the most dangerous form of idolatry. The external threats are just taking advantage of the fact that there is a problem on the inside. It started in Genesis 3:4-5.
God’s original design for the family is to be a blessing within and to others. You can make a positive impact on your spouse and children (for spouses and parents); parents, siblings, and other relatives (for young and adult children); and on your spiritual family (for all followers of Jesus).
How do we make our family a blessing based on the example of the Rechabites?
1. IDENTITY – WHO were the Rechabites? (Jeremiah 35:1-6)
Jeremiah was an Old Testament prophet. The Lord had him do a lot of strange things in his lifetime. All of them were object lessons to prove a point to the Israelites. He ministered during a time when the southern kingdom of Judah was precariously close to being invaded, taken over, and eventually exiled by the Babylonians. In Jeremiah 35:1-6, the Lord commanded Jeremiah to bring the Rechabites to a “chamber in the house of the Lord” and give them wine to drink. All of them said they will not drink wine.
The Rechabites are not Israelites but were assimilated among them. Rechab was a Kenite, related to the Midianites (Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law). They were nomads (tent dwellers). They adhered to a lifestyle that went “against the tide” starting with their forefather (grandfather or father) Jonadab.
As those who belong to the family of God, we follow Jesus’ example of where to anchor our identity. Jesus identified so closely with God the Father (Luke 2:49). When we give our lives to Jesus, His Father becomes our Father. We become part of the ultimate incredible family (1 John 3:1)!
What are the implications when we anchor our identity in Christ?
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John 1:12 |
I am God’s child. |
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1 Cor 6:20 |
I have been bought with a price. |
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1 Cor 12:27 |
I am a member of Christ’s body. |
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Eph 1:4-5,7 |
I have been chosen, adopted, redeemed, and forgiven by God. |
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Col 2:10 |
I am complete in Christ. |
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Rom 8:38-39 |
Nothing can separate me from God’s love. |
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Eph 1:4-5,7 |
I have been chosen, adopted, redeemed, and forgiven by God. |
IDENTITY: Anchored on Christ
2. INTEGRITY – WHY were they so different? (Jeremiah 35:7-10) Integrity is more than just honesty. Integrity means we are a whole person. We are the same person outside and inside the home. We live a principle-centered life consistently. In our context, the principles we live by are based on God’s principles.
The Rechabites lived a principle-centered life. Aside from not drinking wine, there is a host of other things that Jonadab said that this family will live by (vv.7-10). Part of what was passed on to the next generation is the assurance that they may live long. They never forgot the promise. They knew that there is blessing in obedience.
What principles from the Rechabites translated through the Word of God can we learn and apply in our own lives?
- I will give God full control of my life by being filled with His Holy Spirit. (1 Corinthians 6:12)
• This world is not my home, so I will not be attached to anything in it. (1 Chronicles 29:15)
•. I will love God instead of the things and ways of this world. (1 John 2:15-16)
• I will love God by obeying Him. (1 John 5:2-3)
INTEGRITY: Anchored on God’s Word
3. INHERITANCE – WHAT did God have to say about them? (Jeremiah 35:12-17)
What God thinks of us is important.
This is the heart of God: He was telling His people that His desire for them is to bless them. He wanted them to enjoy His blessing. The problem is that the people don’t listen. They did not bother to listen to what He has to say (vv.12-17).
He had this to say to the Rechabites: they listen to their earthly father. As for the Israelites: I am your Father yet you don’t listen to me.
What will God say about us?
INHERITANCE: Anchored on pleasing God
4. INTEGRATION – HOW can we apply these principles so our families can be a blessing? (Jeremiah 35:18-19)
Bible commentators estimate the gap from Jonadab (800++ BC) to Jaazaniah (600++ BC) from anywhere from 240 to 250 years, at least 6 generations. They never forgot who their father was and what he told them. Jeremiah 35:18-19 is the blessing to the Rechabites. God blessed their family so that they will always have people who will know, love, believe, and serve Him.
How do we translate that today in our family situations?
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Deuteronomy 6:6-9 |
Application today |
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Words on your heart |
Study and apply the Bible personally; set the example |
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Teach diligently |
Whet appetite; sharpen like knives |
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Sit, walk, lie, rise |
Grab every opportunity |
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Hand, forehead |
Apply in our thoughts and actions |
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Doorposts of house; gates |
Create a God-centered environment |
God’s greatest blessing came through families (Abraham in Genesis 12:3, Isaac in Genesis 26:4, Jacob in Genesis 28:14). But the greatest blessing is Jesus (John 3:16). Let God bless you first, then go make your family a blessing!