Fulton County tribune. (Wauseon, Ohio) 1883-1925, 1919-10-31

I. The Rechabites Tested (vv. 1-5).
In the days of Jehoiakim the Lord
charged jeremiah to bring the Recha-
bites into the house of the Lord and test
them regarding the drinking of wine.
This he did in place where the people
might behold them, the aim being to
teach Israel by example. The father
of the Rechabites had given command
that they should not drink wine. Their
filial obedience put to shame the Is
raelites for their lack of obedience.
.Jonadab, the father of the Rechabites.
was only man, but the one whose
commands Israel were disregarding
was the Almighty God, their Creator
and Savior. 1t is Gods plan that every
man be tested. Being free agent he
only can have character through test
ing. 1t was for this reason that God
placed Adam and Eve in Eden and per
mitted the devil to test them. While
we should be concerned with the re-
moval of temptations from men, we
should be more concerned with teach
ing them their responsibility and show
ing them how to overcome.
II. The FiIiaI Loyalty OF the Reeha-
bites wv. GID.
Though they were out of their own
country, in the midst of foreign peo-
pie, they refused to drink wine, declar-
ing that they had been true to the. in
struction of Jonadab all their lives.
Obedience to his instructions had been
practiced by all men, women and chill,
dren. 1t is fine thing when children
keep in memory their fathers and rem
der obedience to their commands.
III. The Loyalty of the Rechabites in
Contrast With the DisloyaIty of the
IsraeHtes (vv. 12-16).
1. The appeal wv. 13, 1D. He made
the appeal on the basis of the filial
loyalty of the Rechabites. He remind
ed them that the Rechabites were obe-
dient. though their father was dead
long ago. He also reminded them that
he had spoken to them in person, rising
up early to do so.
2. The ministry of the prophets (vv
Is, 16). When the people failed to ren
| der obedience to God he sent to then
the prophets, who plead with them tC
amend their ways by turning away
| from their idols. Matthew Henry indi
Gates the points of contrast somewha
as follows: % The Rechabites were
obedient to one who was but a man
the Jews disobeyed the infinite ant
eternal God. (2) Jonadab was deac
long since and could not know of thei
disloyalty or correct them from it. Coz
is all-wise and lives forever and will
punish for disobedience. (3) The Rech
abites were never put in mind of thei
obligations, but God sent his prophet
who rose up early to remind them. a
Jonadab left the charge, but no estat
to bear the charge; but God gave tn
people a goodly land and blessed then
in it. (5) God never tied up his peopl
to any hard task like Jonadab did, We
Gods people disobeyed him and tn
Rechabites obeyed their father.
~. Judgment Upon the Jews for Di:
obedience ". 1O.
God declared that he would brin
Judgment upon them according to wha
he had said. Judgment is determine
upon those who disobeyi and rebt
against God.
v. Reward OF the Rechabites fc
Their Loyalty wv. IS, 19).
Because they had been true to til
commands of Jonadab they shoul
have continued representation befol
God. God has such regard for fill;
obedience that he let's no act go unr
warded.