A key, a step into pathways of blessings
We know that worshipping God is good. We are aware that sacrifices are acceptable unto the Lord.
Yes, our God, who is perfect in all His ways, who has order & orderliness said in very clear terms.
Obedience is better than sacrifice. To heed is better than the fat of rams.
Examining what the Lord has already spoken to you, reminded you are important. Can be speaking to a relative. Can be helping an extended family member whom you know. Being tender to the nudges of the Lord is important.
Remembering that the Lord does not require speaking to you in a booming voice, beyond a burning bush. He can and may do both as well. Hearing His Still small voice is important. Hearing it consistently and obeying it consistently is a way to develop a hearing heart and an obedient spirit.
Obedience is not easy. The path to obedience may be paved by suffering, sacrifices.
When we obey, we give up an alternate path. You give up your will, your default thinking, your desire, leave your comfort zone.
Here is this portion from Hebrews 5: 8, 9 which speaks about the obedience of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour. Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him. (Hebrews 5: 8,9)
Obedience is to the will of the Father God.
Before Jesus was to be crucified, he was in prayer. He knew what was coming up. In all humanness, he suffered. From the human frailty he asked if the cup of suffering could be removed. But in his humanness, he was determined, and he surrendered to be obedient to His father God.Jesus said, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.”(Luke 22: 42)
Strength for obedience, He provides.
I have found that I often did not have the strength for obedience. But when I started taking baby steps in obedience, I discovered that the Lord gave me strength, encouraging me in the pathway of obedience. I would encourage you to start earnestly. A few verses repeated below so you get the context.
He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground. (Luke 22: 41,44)
An angel may or may appear, but certainly the Lord can give you greater determination and strength, a gentle nudge once you decide to obey.
Obedience and blessings
Obedience has rewards. When you were a child, you recall receiving rewards from your parents or guardians or teachers. Some cases the rewards are soon to follow, other times it takes time. When you have built up your faith, you are certain of the reward, the timing does not matter. Sometimes the nature of rewards may be a different nature. Sometimes rewards are far beyond that is perceived and ever considered. One such precious thing is will power – the value of which often is not understood.
Here is a passage from Deuteronomy 29. Do not rush through it. Get what your read into your heart.
5 Yet the Lord says, “During the forty years that I led you through the wilderness, your clothes did not wear out, nor did the sandals on your feet. 6 You ate no bread and drank no wine or other fermented drink. I did this so that you might know that I am the Lord your God.”
7 When you reached this place, Sihon king of Heshbon and Og king of Bashan came out to fight against us, but we defeated them. 8 We took their land and gave it as an inheritance to the Reubenites, the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh. 9 Carefully follow the terms of this covenant, so that you may prosper in everything you do. 10 All of you are standing today in the presence of the Lord your God—your leaders and chief men, your elders and officials, and all the other men of Israel, 11 together with your children and your wives, and the foreigners living in your camps who chop your wood and carry your water
12 You are standing here in order to enter into a covenant with the Lord your God, a covenant the Lord is making with you this day and sealing with an oath, 13 to confirm you this day as his people, that he may be your God as he promised you and as he swore to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. 14 I am making this covenant, with its oath, not only with you 15 who are standing here with us today in the presence of the Lord our God but also with those who are not here today.
For now, I conclude here. Be blessed in your walk in obedience to the Spirit of God, to the commandments you already know.
