Theme: Obedience

The Lenten Season

Theme:  Obedience

By Rev. Dr. Emmanuel E James

Text: “Why did you not obey the voice of the Lord?”(1 Sam. 15:19). “Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins” (James 4:17).

When Jesus called His first disciples Peter and Andrew, James and John, He said, “Follow Me”, at once they followed Him. (Mark 1:16-20). That is obedience. Aon another occasion, as Jesus came walking on the water at night, the disciples were afraid. So He said, "Take courage! It is I. don’t be afraid. Lord, if it's you, tell me to come to you on the water" Peter replied. "Come," Jesus said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus” (Matt 14:27-29). Trusting in Jesus, we have to step out where we do not see anything. Obedience demands faith and faith is not my intelligent understanding but it is my deliberate commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ. That is the root of our obedience. Mary said to the servants at the marriage at Cana, “Whatever He tells you to do, do it” (John 2:5). When they obeyed Jesus, there was a miracle. Obedience is the sure way of receiving God’s blessing and approval. Our Lord always insists on obedience. The golden rule of spiritual understanding is not intellect but obedience.

Disobedience has disastrous consequences. When Adam and Eve disobeyed God, sin entered and invited God’s punishment. They were thrown out of the Garden of Eden. From then on throughout history sin has been the cause of all misery, sorrow and suffering of humanity. This can be reversed only by faith in Jesus Christ and accepting Him as our personal Lord and Savior.

God met Saul of Tarsus on the road to Damascus for a reason (Acts 9:1-9). God knew that Saul would become Paul and would become one of His choicest servants, preacher, evangelist, missionary, church planter and a great witness to the saving grace of the Lord. Towards the end of his life, Paul testifies, “King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the vision from heaven” (Acts 26:19). Paul also suffered being beaten, whipped, stoned, mocked and imprisoned. And yet he did not disobey. What tenacity, courage and commitment Paul had because of his obedience to his call by God. It is God’s will that at the end of our lives we too should be able to say, “I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision”. Let us examine ourselves and see the level of our obedience to God.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, help me to be afraid of my disobedient way of life. Help me please you and receive your blessing by being obedient to you. Enable the Holy Spirit to enable me to be obedient to you and live a life that is pleasing to you. Please provide needed guidance to me from your Word. Help me to live a life that is pleasing to you in every way. In Jesus’ precious name I pray, Amen.