Loyalty and Obedience

Daily Scripture Threshing for Today, Saturday, July 12, 2025

Today's Text: Jeremiah 35:1-19

Key Verse: Jeremiah 35:6 (KJV): "But they answered, “We will drink no wine, for Jonadab the son of Rechab, our father, commanded us, ‘You shall not drink wine, neither you nor your sons forever.’”

An oak is generally known for being steady and sturdy, standing firm against the winds, and its roots deeply anchored.

That is why it is known for an enduring strength and resilience. A loyal Christian may be likened to this deep rooted tree that anchors its roots firmly in the word of God so that its robust trunk (life) can withstand harsh weather conditions while he stands tall in stability, longevity, and unwavering determination. This powerful metaphor is a necessary introduction to the example found amid the children of Jonadab, the Rechabites.

They demonstrated unshakeable foundation of character and the quiet confidence that comes from standing firm in commanded values and principles. So too are we called to stand firm in our commitments. We are God's children, and our royal and priestly honor to demonstrate unwavering loyalty and obedience to our God. Loyalty and obedience are related, but different concepts. An obedient man primarily follows commands or instructions. A loyal man goes deeper. He is more enduring in his commitment to a person, cause, or group. While obedience can be a component of loyalty, the latter is deeper sense of allegiance and steadfastness that goes beyond simple compliance.

Today's passage focuses our attention on the Rechabites, a people who, generations after their ancestor Jonadab's command, continued to abstain from wine and settled living according to their ancestral will. They adhered steadfastly to the decree that they didn't really understand. To them, undertaking was more valuable for loyalty and obedience than understanding. Today, we have broadened understanding but shallow undertaking.

The Rechabites' resolute decision to forgo the comforts of wine and land ownership, based on their ancestor's word, stands in stark contrast to the frequent disobedience of the then and now people of God towards their God. True loyalty is never selective. It extends to all aspects of our lives. It covers not only our grand declarations of faith, but also our daily little personal choices. We must learn from the Rechabites' example in loyal honor of our commitments, whether to God or man. This is a sure way to a life pleasing to the Lord.

Action Steps: Reflect on areas in your life where your commitment might be wavering. Are there promises you've made, to God or to others, that you've neglected? Take intentional steps today to reaffirm your loyalty and to tenew your spirit of obedience. Revisit past commitments. Set new achievable goals for consistency, and practice faithfulness in small daily tasks. And, pray for the strength and discipline to honor your word, just as the Rechabites honored theirs.

Quote for the Day: "True loyalty is not only in grand gestures. No. But it is in the fabrics of our hearts, manifesting in daily obedience to every word spoken and every commitment made." (Simon Olatunji #quotablequote)

Let Us Pray: Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for the powerful example of the Rechabites, who demonstrated unwavering loyalty and obedience. Help me to be steadfast in my commitments, honoring Your word and my promises to others. Grant me the grace to live a life marked by integrity and faithfulness, reflecting Your character to the world — in Jesus's most glorious name. Amen.

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Thank you for being part of this journey. For additional reading on today's meditation, read: Deuteronomy 5:32-33, 1 Samuel 15:22, and John 14:15.

With all my love and prayers,

Rev Simon Wale Olatunji, Ph.D.

Your Darling Bishop (DaBishop)

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