I have to constantly yell at my children when they're doing jobs around the house, especially when they are all together in their room "cleaning." Surprisingly, it seems that the title of "obedient one" shifts from child to child, but usually only when there is some sort of incentive for being so. They get distracted, as kids do. Yet, sometimes I will hear one or the other complaining "Why am I the only one who wants to get this done?" This sentiment has been echoed from the 4 year old on up to the 10 year old. I am reminded of Elijah in the cave after showing the people that Baal was a man-made God, and that the God of Abraham, Isaac of Israel was the only true and living One:
He said, “I have been very jealous for the LORD, the God of hosts. For the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword, and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away.” (1 Kings 19:10)
God, of course, was quick to remind Elijah that he was not, in fact the only one left, but the point is that this thought left Elijah in despair, and removed his focus from God, drawing it to himself.
Why should we be obedient when no one else is? What's the point, if the world is willingly running to destruction, in being obedient? Simply put: obedience pleases God. There are hundreds of instances here God reminds His people that obedience is more important to Him that sacrifices (here's 100 as an example), and Jesus Himself said "If you love me, you will keep my commandments" (John 14:15). Obedience is the love language of God. Even should no one else follow suit, we should always seek to obey. It is the way we show our love for Him, taking Him at His word. Such obedience was counted to a man whose actions were not perfect, Abraham, over and over in Scripture, and likewise to Rahab the Prostitute who became a forbear of King David and even Jesus. Faith is taking God at His word, believing Him, and doing as He says for the simple fact that it's God who said it. Whatever else the world may be doing, you be faithful. Obey, and see how God honors that obedience.
James 2:18-26
But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder! Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless? Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works; and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”—and he was called a friend of God. You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. And in the same way was not also Rahab the prostitute justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way? For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.
top of page
Search
bottom of page
Comments