Links for today’s readings:
Sep 9 Read: Jeremiah 35 Listen: (3:43) Read: 1 Corinthians 11 Listen: (4:20)
Scripture Focus: Jeremiah 35:16
16 The descendants of Jehonadab son of Rekab have carried out the command their forefather gave them, but these people have not obeyed me.
Reflection: Loopholes or Loyalty?
By Erin Newton
I wouldn’t say that I did everything my parents told me to do. But my mom, when she was on hospice, asked for a few things—cremation vs. burial, no headstone, and not to post sad tributes each year online. I’ve kept my promise. But, honestly, she wasn’t around to make sure we obeyed. We did it because of our respect and love for her.
In Jeremiah 35 we see another case of descendants honoring the wishes and commands of one of their elders. I imagine these descendants are generations removed from the original command. But their desire to be loyal and faithful was so steadfast that they kept the promise even when things might have been easier if they hadn’t.
The prophet uses them as an example of faithfulness. The analogy is that if these descendants chose to obey a human ancestor year after year, then why would God‘s people not do the same in obeying him? The command given to these ancestors caused them to be vulnerable—without permanent housing or food sources. The easy road would have been to find a loophole or justify giving up the commandment.
I wish my mom had a grave marker that I could visit when I was feeling sad. I sometimes wish I could post on the anniversary of her death so that my friends would give me a little extra attention when I reminded them. But I don’t, because my desire to honor her is greater than my own desire for comfort.
I am amazed at the faithfulness of the Rekabites.
How do we integrate this example into our lives in the twenty-first century?
We daily face decisions where the easier option is high-handed disobedience or feigned ignorance to what God has commanded. He told us to take care of those who are less fortunate or voiceless or abused or forgotten. But we often look at the world and assume it is somebody else’s problem or that the mediocre care given by a few is sufficient to fulfill the command by God for the rest of us.
Jesus asked us to avoid excessive wealth and hoarding of goods and the storing up of treasures on this earth. But we call it being smart and prudent to leave an inheritance for our children at the cost of helping others in need today.
One day all that is hidden will be revealed—even our faithfulness.
Divine Hours Prayer: The Request for Presence
Send out your light and your truth, that they may lead me, and bring me to your holy hill and to your dwelling;
That I may go to the altar of God, to the God of my joy and gladness; and on the harp I will give thanks to you, O God my God. — Psalm 43.3-4
– From The Divine Hours: Prayers for Summertime by Phyllis Tickle.
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Read more: Chastened Towards Freedom
We are not taught perfectionism in Paul, but rather confession and submission to the Holy Spirit…
