Tradition

 We have obeyed the voice of Jonadab the son of Rechab, our father, in all that he commanded us, to drink no wine all our days, ourselves, our wives, our sons, or our daughters,
Jeremiah 35:8 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/jer.35.8.ESV

Surprisingly to many who are ignorant of the Bible, it is not a traditionalist book. Surprisingly to others who may have heard of Jesus's words against Pharisaical traditions, the Bible isn't necessarily anti-tradition. This verse illustrates that fact.

The Rechabites were teatotallers like their ancestor Jonadab, a bit like Methodists traditionally were, and how many Millennials and Generations Zs are choosing not to drink alcohol. Even though the Bible as a whole has nothing against alcohol in moderation, Jeremiah commended the Rechabites. At least they kept a tradition, even as the Israelites as a whole rejected God's law.

Obviously, it's far more important to obey God than tradition. Traditions don't necessarily have to be followed. God's law however is a non negotiable.

What is God's law? To love Him wholeheartedly and to love others as we love ourselves. He demonstrates His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

'Glorious God, we're grateful that even though we break Your law, there is forgiveness in Christ crucified. Please help us by Your Spirit to keep Your law as best we can, in Jesus' name, amen'

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