20100627

“All” is a small word, but it means “everything”.  Jeremiah 35:10 (KJV) reads: “We …have done according to all that Jonadab our father commanded us.”  In the NIV, the word “all” reads as “everything”.  Just three letters – but “all” signifies totality and completeness.  And that is the obedience and integrity of the people, the Recabites, in question – nothing amiss; all (everything) intact.

The people were the Recabites, a nomadic Jewish clan, who were the descendants of Jonadab, son of Recab.  Their forefathers had instructed them never to drink wine, sow seeds and plant vineyards and live in houses – “never have any of these things, but must always live in tents” (Jer. 35:5-10).  This is so they will not be tangled up in all the issues of earthly ownership – how much seed to sow, how much grapes to harvest and what rates to sell at, for instance.  In today’s context, those issues could translate to how many properties to own, when to buy or sell that third or fourth home and at what savings or profit.  That’s not to say that we all pitch tent along the beach.  Spiritually, the Lord God wants us to be tethered only to the Lord Jesus Christ in devotion of heart – seek Him with our “whole desire” (2 Chron. 5:15).

The obedience and integrity of the Recabites was so strong, it lasted for generations.  Their forefathers were long gone.  When their country was invaded by King Nebuchadnezzar, they fled to Jerusalem.  So they were twice removed from obligations – in chronology and geography.  The obedience could have easily been watered down over time and space.  Yet, because their obedience was intact, God chose the Recabites to show up Judah for its disobedience “again and again” – despite God sending all His prophets to them, telling them to turn away from disobedience and to Him (Jer. 35:13-15).  “Will you not learn a lesson and obey my words?” Jehovah asks Judah.

Regarding our own integrity, questions ought to be asked: When am I tempted to cast aside my convictions – and why?  On such occasions when I have “stood on the other side” doing the opposite of my beliefs or neglecting the Lord’s voice speaking to my inner being – how did I make amends with the Almighty?  My integrity must remain intact and all is at peace with my Maker within my soul.  My prayer: “God teach me to obey and to remain obedient.”