Contrasting Obedience

Jeremiah 35:14-15

I have often found it interesting that some outside the church live more righteous lives than some in the church. There are religions that teach their adherents to not drink or partake in other wicked practices that are very clearly prohibited by the Bible and out of sheer willpower they will be obedient. On the other hand, you have "Christians" who engage in all kinds of immorality when we are supposed to have the Holy Spirit living in us and helping us. How can this be?

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The words of Jonadab the son of Rechab, that he commanded his sons not to drink wine, are performed; for unto this day they drink none, but obey their father’s commandment: notwithstanding I have spoken unto you, rising early and speaking; but ye hearkened not unto me. 15 I have sent also unto you all my servants the prophets, rising up early and sending them, saying, Return ye now every man from his evil way, and amend your doings, and go not after other gods to serve them, and ye shall dwell in the land which I have given to you and to your fathers: but ye have not inclined your ear, nor hearkened unto me.

Jeremiah 35:14-15

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I realize that there is a theological argument to be made about Satan tempting those no longer serving him. There is also a theological argument to be made about disobedience. That is exactly what God was addressing in this text. The Rechabites were believed to be descendants of the Midianites who lived in the promised land during the time of Abraham. They are also the group of people that Moses lived with in the desert and from among whom he took a wife. Jethro, the father-in-law of Moses was a Midianite. According to JewishEncyclopedia.com, the Kenites were a family from the Midiantes. God contrasts their obedience to the commands of their father with his commands to his chosen children, Israel.

Such are we as the church. Just as Abram was called out of Ur to live a life of obedience, service, and blessing from God, we have been called out of sin to do the same. God has chose us, called us, and saved us from our sins, and often, just like rebellious Israel, we are disobedient to God. The result is that those outside the church do not see the need to be within the church.

I'm not pointing fingers. It is so easy to be disobedient. It is so easy to get off course. Jesus said, "Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it" (Matthew 7:14). Obedience is by definition a singular choice, whereas disobedience has infinite possibilities. However, if those outside the Christ can be obedient, shouldn't we who are in Christ and have the Holy Spirit in us leading? Shouldn't we who have Christ interceding to the Father be capable of obeying?

God told the Children of Israel that they were without excuse. He had been with them. He had taught them. He had sent his prophets to proclaim his word and the judgment that would come if they continued to disobey. The choice was clear, repent or judgment was eminent. The same is true for us as well. Yes, God will judge us for our disobedience. Also, the lost world needs to see Christ in us. They need to see a difference so that they what to know of Christ and come to know Him as their savior.

Father help me to be obedient to you. Create in me a heart that loves you enough to obey more and more. Create in me a heart that is truly hurt when I sin against you and repents from my sin. May my life not be a hindrance to those who do not know you.