25th.: The Rechabites
Jeremiah was told to take the family clan called the Rechabites into the temple.
In a private room, Jeremiah gave the Rechabites wine to drink (Jer. 35:2-5).
Jeremiah did so with, “Drink ye wine.” (Jer. 35:5).
They must have known that Jeremiah was a prophet of the Lord.
Heh, this was God speaking.
Nevertheless, they answered, “We will drink no wine, for Jonadab the son of Rechab our father commanded us saying,
‘Ye shall drink no wine, neither ye, nor your sons forever.’” (Jer. 35:6).
The Rechabites honored their patriarchal ancestor.
As it was, the Lord commended the Rechabites for honoring their paternal instructions,
by telling the prophet, 'NO'.
Sometimes it is hard to tell God 'No.'
But then, this was really a test of their character.
In this particular set of circumstance, telling God 'No', was appropriate.
Fortunately, we have the Holy Spirit to guide us. Hence, we may have to ask ... him.
“To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life.
But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation,
and wrath, tribulation, and anguish, upon every soul of man that does evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile,
but glory honor, and peace to every man that works good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile.” (Rom 2:7-10)