The Power of Obedience
Every week, I will post a blog about the past weekend's message. This week I talk about the Call to Obedience.
In a world that often celebrates independence and doing what feels right, the concept of obedience can seem outdated or even burdensome. Yet, in the kingdom of God, obedience is far from a restrictive set of rules. Instead, it's a gateway to intimacy, a blessing rather than a burden, and a means of connection rather than control. Biblical obedience is our loving response to the One who gave everything for us—a natural outflow of a heart that knows it is deeply loved and longs to love God in return.
The true essence of obedience isn't about earning favor or following a checklist of rules. It's about walking in trust, surrender, and relationship. Throughout Scripture, we see rich examples of this kind of obedience. Abraham trusted God enough to lay everything on the altar. Jesus obeyed the Father even unto death. These aren't just ancient stories; they're invitations for us to experience the intimacy of God with lives surrendered to His will.
The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia beautifully describes obedience as "a heartfelt submission rooted in love, a response of trust and faith, and a reflection of intimacy with God." This definition invites us into a deeper trust, a closer walk, and a life that says, "Lord, not my will, but yours be done."
Consider the story of a man who, at 13, lost his father to open-heart surgery. Carrying the weight of guilt for years, believing he was somehow responsible for his father's death, he struggled to move forward. Years later, during a near-death experience, he encountered a vision of his father, who absolved him of this misplaced guilt. This profound moment of healing came as a result of the man's obedience to God's call on his life—a call he had initially resisted but eventually embraced.
That is my personal testimony and it illustrates a crucial truth: obedience to God can lead to freedom, healing, and purpose beyond what we can imagine. It's not about following rules blindly, but about trusting the One who sees the bigger picture of our lives. Jesus teaches us in John 14:23, "Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them." This verse isn't a harsh command but a relational invitation. Jesus is saying that if we love Him, we'll naturally live in a way that reflects that love. And in doing so, we'll experience even deeper intimacy with the Father.
It's crucial to understand that this obedience isn't about legalism or trying to earn God's favor through rigid rule-following. We don't need to strive for perfection to gain His approval—He's already given us everything through the cross. Instead, He invites us to obey as an act of worship rooted in our relationship with Him.
Think of it like a long-time friendship or a faithful marriage. Trust is built over years, not just through grand gestures, but through consistent loving choices. When a spouse or close friend gives advice, we don't comply out of obligation, but because we trust their heart and intentions. Our relationship with God works similarly. He's not a distant authority issuing cold commands; He's a loving Father guiding us toward life, growth, and freedom.
Obedience also builds closeness and trust with God. The more we follow His lead, the more clearly we hear His voice. The more we surrender to His will, the more aware we become of His nearness.
If we struggle to feel close to God, it might be because there's an area of our life where He's calling us to be obedient, and we're resisting that call. James 1:22-25 reminds us, "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says." Obedience isn't just about following God's commands; it's about allowing His truth to transform us from the inside out. Every time we say yes to God, even in small things, we open the door to change. His Word begins to shape our thoughts, desires, and behaviors. We don't just behave better; we become more like Christ.
This transformation process can be likened to a sculptor working on a block of ice. To the onlooker, it might seem like just a block of ice, but the sculptor sees the masterpiece waiting to be revealed. With each strike of the chisel, more of the artwork comes into view. The process takes time, it's messy, and it might even feel painful. But to the sculptor, every cut has a purpose.
That's how obedience works in the hands of God. He sees the image of Christ in us before we do. Every time we say yes to His Word, even when it's difficult, He's shaping us. He's not just changing our behaviors; He's transforming our hearts. We aren't just being managed; we're being molded into something beautiful and eternal.
So how do we walk in obedience today? Here are some practical steps:
Remember, obedience is not a burden; it's a blessing. It's the natural result of loving God and the path to deeper intimacy with Him. Let's be people who not only hear His Word but do what it says. People who love Jesus so much that we live like Him, walk with Him, and obey Him with joy.
As you reflect on this post, ask the Lord to show you one area where He's calling you to walk in obedience. Then respond to that calling immediately, with joy and faithfulness. Let your love lead your obedience.
In the end, Jesus doesn't want us to strive harder. He's simply inviting us to draw closer, to trust Him, to surrender. As we embrace this call to obedience, may we find ourselves transformed, day by day, choice by choice, into the image of Christ. May our obedience not be confined to moments of reflection or worship services, but may it be the way we live—each step, each word, each act reflecting our love for Him.
Have a blessed week,
Pastor Jay
In a world that often celebrates independence and doing what feels right, the concept of obedience can seem outdated or even burdensome. Yet, in the kingdom of God, obedience is far from a restrictive set of rules. Instead, it's a gateway to intimacy, a blessing rather than a burden, and a means of connection rather than control. Biblical obedience is our loving response to the One who gave everything for us—a natural outflow of a heart that knows it is deeply loved and longs to love God in return.
The true essence of obedience isn't about earning favor or following a checklist of rules. It's about walking in trust, surrender, and relationship. Throughout Scripture, we see rich examples of this kind of obedience. Abraham trusted God enough to lay everything on the altar. Jesus obeyed the Father even unto death. These aren't just ancient stories; they're invitations for us to experience the intimacy of God with lives surrendered to His will.
The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia beautifully describes obedience as "a heartfelt submission rooted in love, a response of trust and faith, and a reflection of intimacy with God." This definition invites us into a deeper trust, a closer walk, and a life that says, "Lord, not my will, but yours be done."
Consider the story of a man who, at 13, lost his father to open-heart surgery. Carrying the weight of guilt for years, believing he was somehow responsible for his father's death, he struggled to move forward. Years later, during a near-death experience, he encountered a vision of his father, who absolved him of this misplaced guilt. This profound moment of healing came as a result of the man's obedience to God's call on his life—a call he had initially resisted but eventually embraced.
That is my personal testimony and it illustrates a crucial truth: obedience to God can lead to freedom, healing, and purpose beyond what we can imagine. It's not about following rules blindly, but about trusting the One who sees the bigger picture of our lives. Jesus teaches us in John 14:23, "Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them." This verse isn't a harsh command but a relational invitation. Jesus is saying that if we love Him, we'll naturally live in a way that reflects that love. And in doing so, we'll experience even deeper intimacy with the Father.
It's crucial to understand that this obedience isn't about legalism or trying to earn God's favor through rigid rule-following. We don't need to strive for perfection to gain His approval—He's already given us everything through the cross. Instead, He invites us to obey as an act of worship rooted in our relationship with Him.
Think of it like a long-time friendship or a faithful marriage. Trust is built over years, not just through grand gestures, but through consistent loving choices. When a spouse or close friend gives advice, we don't comply out of obligation, but because we trust their heart and intentions. Our relationship with God works similarly. He's not a distant authority issuing cold commands; He's a loving Father guiding us toward life, growth, and freedom.
Obedience also builds closeness and trust with God. The more we follow His lead, the more clearly we hear His voice. The more we surrender to His will, the more aware we become of His nearness.
If we struggle to feel close to God, it might be because there's an area of our life where He's calling us to be obedient, and we're resisting that call. James 1:22-25 reminds us, "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says." Obedience isn't just about following God's commands; it's about allowing His truth to transform us from the inside out. Every time we say yes to God, even in small things, we open the door to change. His Word begins to shape our thoughts, desires, and behaviors. We don't just behave better; we become more like Christ.
This transformation process can be likened to a sculptor working on a block of ice. To the onlooker, it might seem like just a block of ice, but the sculptor sees the masterpiece waiting to be revealed. With each strike of the chisel, more of the artwork comes into view. The process takes time, it's messy, and it might even feel painful. But to the sculptor, every cut has a purpose.
That's how obedience works in the hands of God. He sees the image of Christ in us before we do. Every time we say yes to His Word, even when it's difficult, He's shaping us. He's not just changing our behaviors; He's transforming our hearts. We aren't just being managed; we're being molded into something beautiful and eternal.
So how do we walk in obedience today? Here are some practical steps:
- Stay in the Word: Make space daily to read and reflect on Scripture.
- Pray: Cultivate a rich prayer life, communicating openly with God.
- Invite the Holy Spirit: Ask for guidance and strength to live out what you've read.
- Respond immediately: Partial or delayed obedience is often disobedience in disguise.
- Stay accountable: Share your walk with someone who can encourage and pray with you.
Remember, obedience is not a burden; it's a blessing. It's the natural result of loving God and the path to deeper intimacy with Him. Let's be people who not only hear His Word but do what it says. People who love Jesus so much that we live like Him, walk with Him, and obey Him with joy.
As you reflect on this post, ask the Lord to show you one area where He's calling you to walk in obedience. Then respond to that calling immediately, with joy and faithfulness. Let your love lead your obedience.
In the end, Jesus doesn't want us to strive harder. He's simply inviting us to draw closer, to trust Him, to surrender. As we embrace this call to obedience, may we find ourselves transformed, day by day, choice by choice, into the image of Christ. May our obedience not be confined to moments of reflection or worship services, but may it be the way we live—each step, each word, each act reflecting our love for Him.
Have a blessed week,
Pastor Jay
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