The Rechabites are a relatively obscure group of people, found only in Jeremiah 35. Descended from the Kenites, the Rechabites were given a very important commandment from their ancestor: Don't drink wine.
As Jeremiah found out, they still followed this commandment nearly 300 years later. As for the Israelites? They wouldn't even listen to a command by God given five minutes ago.
Obedience matters, but obedience begins with our willingness to listen in the first place.
