September 3, 2026
Scripture – “Then Jeremiah said to the family of the Recabites, “This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: ‘You have obeyed the command of your forefather Jonadab and have followed all his instructions and have done everything he ordered.’ Therefore this is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: ‘Jonadab son of Recab will never fail to have a descendant to serve me.’ ””
Jeremiah 35:18-19 NIV
Observation – The Recabites were a family that was instructed by their forefather, Jonadab to never drink wine, build houses or sow or plant vineyards. They were commanded to always live in tents and if they obeyed these commands and lived as nomads in the land they were promised that they would live a long time in the land. They actually obeyed their forefather, Jonadab, so God spoke through Jeremiah to tell the Recabites that their reward, their gift from God, is that their family would never fail to have one of their descendants serve him.
Application – Is God’s idea of a reward different from yours. When you are thinking about all the things you would like God to give you is the first one, “Lord, I just want to be able to serve you! Give me that and it will be enough!” I didn’t think so. That isn’t the first thing that comes to my mind either, but based on this passage it should be. We ask God for all kinds of things and Jesus tells us, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” I’m sure the Recabites enjoyed plenty of food, good health, a loving family, purpose and peace because they put God and his kingdom first. How can you reorder your life so that you consider serving God as a gift from him?
Prayer – Dear Lord, this is why we need new hearts, so we can view our lives like you do. Please give us these hearts. Amen.
What are you doing? Do it better 