Thus have we obeyed the voice of Jonadab the son of Rechab our father in all that he hath charged us, to drink no wine all our days, we, our wives, our sons, nor our daughters.
Jeremiah 35:8
The greatest type of temptation is to be confronted with something you know quite well you should not do. The greatest sign of our victory over that temptation is to be able to walk away without falling into that temptation rather than making excuses for our shortcomings if we succumbed to it.
The Rechabites were not just asked what they would do if they were given wine. Jeremiah brought pots of FREE and good wine before them and asked them to drink. Despite all his persuasion, they told him firmly that their ancestor had forbidden anyone in their bloodline to drink wine as well as all the other instructions given to them. They told Jeremiah clearly that they had obeyed so far. Even though they were now forced to live in Jerusalem does not mean they would corrupt themselves.
This is the test of character we all get confronted with at one time or the other. I sincerely think we should sit down and reflect. It is time for us to start taking stock of what our life is like. We should sit down and ruminate on the way our lives had been, to determine if we have lived up to God’s standards in every situation.
It is easy to criticise those in positions of power. But when we got the opportunities at our level, how well did we live above board? How transparent were our decisions and motives? We need to clarify this and ensure that we live up to standards of God in all we do.
The Rechabites were rewarded with an everlasting access to God because they were obedient and refused to fall when confronted with a clear temptation to disobey their lineage character trait.
This is not about a debate over wine but the strength of character that stands when confronted with a clear test of character. The wine was free. How many of us are able to remove our eyes from free things? We need to learn that the strength of character resides in being able to say ‘no’ even when the offer is free and looks innocent enough, especially, when no one seems to be looking.
We should never forget that the eyes of Him that goes to and from from one end of the earth to the other sees all our open and secret acts. Even the ones in our thoughts are exposed to Him all the time. Our motives are not hidden from Him at all.
So, accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and personal Saviour today, and He gives you the grace to walk in sound character all the days of your life, if you yield the control to Him.
Jesus is Lord!
IYABODE OMOLARA AKEWO NWABUEZE 