What I Can Learn from Other Religions

Scripture: “Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: Go and say to the people of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, Will you not receive instruction and listen to my words? declares the Lord. The command that Jonadab the son of Rechab gave to his sons, to drink no wine, has been kept, and they drink none to this day, for they have obeyed their father's command. I have spoken to you persistently, but you have not listened to me. Jeremiah 35:13-14

Observation: God commends the Rechabites for obeying the commands of their forefather not to drink wine or build houses. These are not biblical commands, but these people are obeying them out of respect. Yet God’s own people are not obeying God’s very own commands. These guys might have been following man-made rules, but at least they understood the value of respectful obedience—this is what God is looking for from his own people.

Application: Sometimes I look at other religions with their man-made rules. Some don’t drink caffeine. Others have to pray 5 times a day. Yet while these are not biblical commands, I can learn from these people the value of respectful obedience. Instead of looking down on them, I need to look inside me—do I follow the commands God has given or do I hide behind freedom and grace? These people follow the traditions of their forefathers; can I do less for the living truth of my Father?

Prayer: God, the Rechabites listened to their forefather. Do I listen to You? Help me to “turn from my wicked ways and reform my actions.” Today, show me areas of disobedience I can turn from and turn to you.